DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Link, P.K.

A total of 48 papers were presented at the Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering 30th Symposium. These papers are presented in this proceedings under the following headings: site characterization--Pocatello area; site characterization--Boise Area; site assessment; Idaho National Engineering Laboratory; geophysical methods; remediation; geotechnical engineering; and hydrogeology, northern and western Idaho. Individual papers have been processed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.

Near surface geotechnical and geophysical data cross validated for site characterization applications. The cases of selected accelerometric stations in Crete island (Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loupasakis, Constantinos; Tsangaratos, Paraskevas; Rozos, Dimitrios; Rondoyianni, Theodora; Vafidis, Antonis; Steiakakis, Emanouil; Agioutantis, Zacharias; Savvaidis, Alexandros; Soupios, Pantelis; Papadopoulos, Ioannis; Papadopoulos, Nikos; Sarris, Apostolos; Mangriotis, Maria-Dafni; Dikmen, Unal

2015-04-01

The near surface ground conditions are highly important for the design of civil constructions. These conditions determine primarily the ability of the foundation formations to bear loads, the stress - strain relations and the corresponding deformations, as well as the soil amplification and corresponding peak ground motion in case of dynamic loading. The static and dynamic geotechnical parameters as well as the ground-type/soil-category can be determined by combining geotechnical and geophysical methods, such as engineering geological surface mapping, geotechnical drilling, in situ and laboratory testing and geophysical investigations. The above mentioned methods were combined for the site characterization in selected sites of the Hellenic Accelerometric Network (HAN) in the area of Crete Island. The combination of the geotechnical and geophysical methods in thirteen (13) sites provided sufficient information about their limitations, setting up the minimum tests requirements in relation to the type of the geological formations. The reduced accuracy of the surface mapping in urban sites, the uncertainties introduced by the geophysical survey in sites with complex geology and the 1-D data provided by the geotechnical drills are some of the causes affecting the right order and the quantity of the necessary investigation methods. Through this study the gradual improvement on the accuracy of the site characterization data in regards to the applied investigation techniques is presented by providing characteristic examples from the total number of thirteen sites. As an example of the gradual improvement of the knowledge about the ground conditions the case of AGN1 strong motion station, located at Agios Nikolaos city (Eastern Crete), is briefly presented. According to the medium scale geological map of IGME the station was supposed to be founded over limestone. The detailed geological mapping reveled that a few meters of loose alluvial deposits occupy the area, expected to lay over the Neogene marly formations and the Mesozoic limestone, identified at the surrounding area. This changes the ground type to E instead of A, based on the EC8 classification. According the geophysical survey the Neogene formations extend down several meters and the mean Vs30 is 476m/s, increasing the rank of the ground type to B. Finally, the geotechnical drill reviled that the loose alluvial deposits extend down 13m containing two clearly identified layers of liquefiable loose sand. Below the alluvial deposits a thin layer (1,5m thick) of Neogene marly formations and the karstified limestone was located, as expected. So finally it was proved that the ground type category at the site is S2, setting up the geotechnical drills as the determinant investigation technique for this site. Besides the above described case, all selected examples present sufficiently the ability, the limitations and the right order of the investigation methods aiming to the site characterization. This research has been co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) - Research Funding Program: THALES. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.

Brief Overlook on the Occupational Accidents Occurring During the Geotechnical Site Works

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akboğa Kale, Özge; Eskişar, Tuğba

2017-10-01

The aim of this paper is to evaluate occupational accidents reported in geotechnical site works. Variables of the accidents are categorized as the year and month of accidents, the technical codes used for defining the scope of work trades, end use and project type and cost, nature and cause of accidents, occupation of the victims and finally the cause of fatality. As a result, it is seen that the majority of victims were construction laborers or in special trade constructors who were working on a new project or new additions to an existing project. The geotechnical phase of the projects was whether excavation, landfill, sewer-water treatment, pipeline construction, commercial building or road construction. As the outcomes of the study it is evaluated that excavation, trenching and installing pipe or pile driving were the main causes of the accidents while trench collapse, struck by a falling object / projectile and wall collapse were the main causes of fatality. Moreover, it is established that more than half of the fatalities were due to asphyxia followed by fracture. These findings show that accidents occurred in geotechnical works do not only have high frequency but also high severity. This study emphasizes project specific countermeasures should be taken regarding the nature, cost and importance of the project and the occupation variabilities working on the project.

Load and resistance factor design of drilled shafts in shale for lateral loading.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-04-01

A research project involving 32 drilled shaft load tests was undertaken to establish LRFD procedures for : design of drilled shafts subjected to lateral loads. Tests were performed at two Missouri Department of : Transportation (MoDOT) geotechnical r...

Direct Push supported geotechnical and hydrogeological characterisation of an active sinkhole area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tippelt, Thomas; Vienken, Thomas; Kirsch, Reinhard; Dietrich, Peter; Werban, Ulrike

2017-04-01

Sinkholes represent a natural geologic hazard in areas where soluble layers are present in the subsurface. A detailed knowledge of the composition of the subsurface and its hydrogeological and geotechnical properties is essential for the understanding of sinkhole formation and propagation. This serves as base for risk evaluation and the development of an early warning system. However, site models often depend on data from drillings and surface geophysical surveys that in many cases cannot resolve the spatial distribution of relevant hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters sufficiently. Therefore, an active sinkhole area in Münsterdorf, Northern Germany, was investigated in detail using Direct Push technology, a minimally invasive sounding method. The obtained vertical high-resolution profiles of geotechnical and hydrogeological characteristics, in combination with Direct Push based sampling and surface geophysical measurements lead to a strong improvement of the geologic site model. The conceptual site model regarding sinkhole formation and propagation will then be tested based on the gathered data and, if necessary, adapted accordingly.

Geotechnical Factors in the Dredgeability of Sediments. Report 1. Geotechnical Descriptors for Sediments to be Dredged

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-01

objectives of the work unit. executing dredging projects. The disparities increase risk factors and thus the cost of such SUMMARY: The study identified the...geologists, environmental engineers, biologists, estimators, dredging equipment manufacturers, and dredging contractor personnel have methods for...changed dramatically. A major increase has occurred in the level of contract dredging. Environmental concerns, the consequences of the oil embargo of

Estimation of water table based on geomorphologic and geologic conditions using public database of geotechnical information over Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koshigai, Masaru; Marui, Atsunao

Water table provides important information for the evaluation of groundwater resource. Recently, the estimation of water table in wide area is required for effective evaluation of groundwater resources. However, evaluation process is met with difficulties due to technical and economic constraints. Regression analysis for the prediction of groundwater levels based on geomorphologic and geologic conditions is considered as a reliable tool for the estimation of water table of wide area. Data of groundwater levels were extracted from the public database of geotechnical information. It was observed that changes in groundwater level depend on climate conditions. It was also observed and confirmed that there exist variations of groundwater levels according to geomorphologic and geologic conditions. The objective variable of the regression analysis was groundwater level. And the explanatory variables were elevation and the dummy variable consisting of group number. The constructed regression formula was significant according to the determination coefficients and analysis of the variance. Therefore, combining the regression formula and mesh map, the statistical method to estimate the water table based on geomorphologic and geologic condition for the whole country could be established.

Development of novel optical fiber sensors for measuring tilts and displacements of geotechnical structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Hua-Fu; Yin, Jian-Hua; Jin, Wei

2013-09-01

Two kinds of innovative sensors based on optical fiber sensing technologies have been proposed and developed for measuring tilts and displacements in geotechnical structures. The newly developed tilt sensors are based on classical beam theory and were successfully used to measure the inclinations in a physical model test. The conventional inclinometers including in-place and portable types, as a key instrument, are very commonly used in geotechnical engineering. In this paper, fiber Bragg grating sensing technology is used to measure strains along a standard inclinometer casing and these strains are used to calculate the lateral and/or horizontal deflections of the casing using the beam theory and a finite difference method. Finally, the monitoring results are verified by laboratory tests.

Geotechnical soil characterization of intact Quaternary deposits forming the March 22, 2014 SR-530 (Oso) landslide, Snohomish County, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Riemer, Michael F.; Collins, Brian D.; Badger, Thomas C.; Toth, Csilla; Yu, Yat Chun

2015-01-01

This report provides a description of the methods used to obtain and test the intact soil stratigraphy behind the headscarp of the March 22 landslide. Detailed geotechnical index testing results are presented for 24 soil samples representing the stratigraphy at 19 different depths along a 650 ft (198 m) soil profile. The results include (1) the soil's in situ water content and unit weight (where applicable); (2) specific gravity of soil solids; and (3) each sample's grain-size distribution, critical limits for fine-grain water content states (that is, the Atterberg limits), and official Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) designation. In addition, preliminary stratigraphy and geotechnical relations within and between soil units are presented.

Geotechnical parameter spatial distribution stochastic analysis based on multi-precision information assimilation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, C.; Rubin, Y.

2014-12-01

Spatial distribution of important geotechnical parameter named compression modulus Es contributes considerably to the understanding of the underlying geological processes and the adequate assessment of the Es mechanics effects for differential settlement of large continuous structure foundation. These analyses should be derived using an assimilating approach that combines in-situ static cone penetration test (CPT) with borehole experiments. To achieve such a task, the Es distribution of stratum of silty clay in region A of China Expo Center (Shanghai) is studied using the Bayesian-maximum entropy method. This method integrates rigorously and efficiently multi-precision of different geotechnical investigations and sources of uncertainty. Single CPT samplings were modeled as a rational probability density curve by maximum entropy theory. Spatial prior multivariate probability density function (PDF) and likelihood PDF of the CPT positions were built by borehole experiments and the potential value of the prediction point, then, preceding numerical integration on the CPT probability density curves, the posterior probability density curve of the prediction point would be calculated by the Bayesian reverse interpolation framework. The results were compared between Gaussian Sequential Stochastic Simulation and Bayesian methods. The differences were also discussed between single CPT samplings of normal distribution and simulated probability density curve based on maximum entropy theory. It is shown that the study of Es spatial distributions can be improved by properly incorporating CPT sampling variation into interpolation process, whereas more informative estimations are generated by considering CPT Uncertainty for the estimation points. Calculation illustrates the significance of stochastic Es characterization in a stratum, and identifies limitations associated with inadequate geostatistical interpolation techniques. This characterization results will provide a multi-precision information assimilation method of other geotechnical parameters.

Geotechnical engineering for ocean waste disposal. An introduction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, Homa J.; Demars, Kenneth R.; Chaney, Ronald C.; ,

1990-01-01

As members of multidisciplinary teams, geotechnical engineers apply quantitative knowledge about the behavior of earth materials toward designing systems for disposing of wastes in the oceans and monitoring waste disposal sites. In dredge material disposal, geotechnical engineers assist in selecting disposal equipment, predict stable characteristics of dredge mounds, design mound caps, and predict erodibility of the material. In canister disposal, geotechnical engineers assist in specifying canister configurations, predict penetration depths into the seafloor, and predict and monitor canister performance following emplacement. With sewage outfalls, geotechnical engineers design foundation and anchor elements, estimate scour potential around the outfalls, and determine the stability of deposits made up of discharged material. With landfills, geotechnical engineers evaluate the stability and erodibility of margins and estimate settlement and cracking of the landfill mass. Geotechnical engineers also consider the influence that pollutants have on the engineering behavior of marine sediment and the extent to which changes in behavior affect the performance of structures founded on the sediment. In each of these roles, careful application of geotechnical engineering principles can contribute toward more efficient and environmentally safe waste disposal operations.

Enabling Geotechnical Data for Broader Use by the Spatial Data Infrastructures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zand, Amir Ghasem

2011-01-01

Geotechnical data are one of the most prevalent data types in civil engineering projects. The majority of the civil engineering projects that are in use today are designed using site-specific geotechnical data. The usage of geotechnical data is not limited to construction projects. This data is used in a wide range of applications, including…

78 FR 70042 - Proposed Issuance of the NPDES General Permit for Oil and Gas Geotechnical Surveying and Related...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-22

... Permit for Oil and Gas Geotechnical Surveying and Related Activities in Federal Waters of the Beaufort... (NPDES) General Permit for Oil and Gas Geotechnical Surveying and Related Activities in Federal Waters of... authorizes twelve types of discharges from facilities engaged in oil and gas geotechnical surveys to evaluate...

Performance of mixed formulations for the particle finite element method in soil mechanics problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monforte, Lluís; Carbonell, Josep Maria; Arroyo, Marcos; Gens, Antonio

2017-07-01

This paper presents a computational framework for the numerical analysis of fluid-saturated porous media at large strains. The proposal relies, on one hand, on the particle finite element method (PFEM), known for its capability to tackle large deformations and rapid changing boundaries, and, on the other hand, on constitutive descriptions well established in current geotechnical analyses (Darcy's law; Modified Cam Clay; Houlsby hyperelasticity). An important feature of this kind of problem is that incompressibility may arise either from undrained conditions or as a consequence of material behaviour; incompressibility may lead to volumetric locking of the low-order elements that are typically used in PFEM. In this work, two different three-field mixed formulations for the coupled hydromechanical problem are presented, in which either the effective pressure or the Jacobian are considered as nodal variables, in addition to the solid skeleton displacement and water pressure. Additionally, several mixed formulations are described for the simplified single-phase problem due to its formal similitude to the poromechanical case and its relevance in geotechnics, since it may approximate the saturated soil behaviour under undrained conditions. In order to use equal-order interpolants in displacements and scalar fields, stabilization techniques are used in the mass conservation equation of the biphasic medium and in the rest of scalar equations. Finally, all mixed formulations are assessed in some benchmark problems and their performances are compared. It is found that mixed formulations that have the Jacobian as a nodal variable perform better.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Orth, R.; Dauda, T.; McKenzie, D.E.

Contamination in low-permeability soils poses a significant technical challenge to in-situ remediation efforts. Poor accessibility to the contaminants and difficulty in delivery of treatment reagents have rendered existing in-situ treatments such as bioremediation, vapor extraction, and pump and treat rather ineffective when applied to low permeability soils present at many contaminated sites. The technology is an integrated in-situ treatment in which established geotechnical methods are used to install degradation zones directly in the contaminated soil and electro-osmosis is utilized to move the contaminants back and forth through those zones until the treatment is completed. The present Topical Report for Taskmore » {number_sign}3.3 summarizes the iron dechlorination research conducted by Monsanto Company.« less

Kentucky geotechnical database.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-03-01

Development of a comprehensive dynamic, geotechnical database is described. Computer software selected to program the client/server application in windows environment, components and structure of the geotechnical database, and primary factors cons...

Use of laboratory geophysical and geotechnical investigation methods to characterize gypsum rich soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhamidipati, Raghava A.

Gypsum rich soils are found in many parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Most gypsum occurs in the form of evaporites, which are minerals that precipitate out of water due to a high rate of evaporation and a high mineral concentration. Gypsum rich soils make good foundation material under dry conditions but pose major engineering hazards when exposed to water. Gypsum acts as a weak cementing material and has a moderate solubility of about 2.5 g/liter. The dissolution of gypsum causes the soils to undergo unpredictable collapse settlement leading to severe structural damages. The damages incur heavy financial losses every year. The objective of this research was to use geophysical methods such as free-free resonant column testing and electrical resistivity testing to characterize gypsum rich soils based on the shear wave velocity and electrical resistivity values. The geophysical testing methods could provide quick, non-intrusive and cost-effective methodologies to screen sites known to contain gypsum deposits. Reconstituted specimens of ground gypsum and quartz sand were prepared in the laboratory with varying amounts of gypsum and tested. Additionally geotechnical tests such as direct shear strength tests and consolidation tests were conducted to estimate the shear strength parameters (drained friction angle and cohesion) and the collapse potential of the soils. The effect of gypsum content on the geophysical and geotechnical parameters of soil was of particular interest. It was found that gypsum content had an influence on the shear wave velocity but had minimal effect on electrical resistivity. The collapsibility and friction angle of the soil increased with increase in gypsum. The information derived from the geophysical and geotechnical tests was used to develop statistical design equations and correlations to estimate gypsum content and soil collapse potential.

Geophysical methods for determining the geotechnical engineering properties of earth materials.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-03-01

Surface and borehole geophysical methods exist to measure in-situ properties and structural : characteristics of earth materials. Application of such methods has demonstrated cost savings through : reduced design uncertainty and lower investigation c...

Geotechnical Investigations

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-01-01

and erosion of embankment or foundation materials and hydraulic fracturing while using water. The new ER establishes a policy for drilling in earth...Table 5-4 In Situ Tests to Determine Stress Conditions Bibliographic Test Soils Rocks Reference Remarks Hydraulic fracturing X...Leach (1977) Only for normally consolidated or slightly Mitchell, Guzikowski, consolidated soils and Villet (1978) Hydraulic fracturing X RTH 344 Stress

Venezuela offshore oil and gas production development: Past, present and future

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perez La Salvia, H.; Schwartz, E.; Contreras, M.

1995-12-01

This paper presents a short history of offshore oil and gas production in Venezuela starting in Lake Maracaibo in 1923. The main emphasis has been the results of the recent R and D and the exploratory offshore programs in areas like Orinoco Delta located in the Atlantic Ocean, Northeast and Northwest Venezuela in the Caribbean sea. In the R and D offshore program the main objectives were: (1) To establish the local environmental, oceanographical, geotechnical and seismicity conditions for the Venezuelan Continental Platform. (2) To give a technical support to the PDVSA Operating Affiliates during the exploratory programs including: (a)more » to develop accurate drilling vessel positioning systems; (b) evaluation of sea bottom geotechnical conditions for safely operating the jack-ups and drilling vessels involved in the exploratory wells and (c) to identify those areas which because of their special nature require further investigation to establish preliminary type of platforms required for the areas to be developed or to evaluate other solutions proposed by Foreign Consultant Engineering Companies to the PDVSA Operating Affiliated Companies. The main objective of PDVSA for the coming future will be to develop the North of Paria Gas Field through the initially named Christopher Columbus Project now Sucre Gas, S.A., a consortium conformed by LaGoven, S.A. Shell, Exxon and Mitsubishi. objective of this paper is to give an idea of the history of the Venezuelan Oil and Gas Offshore development giving emphasis to the results of the INTEVEP S.A. Red offshore program and to show some results of the particular characteristics of oceanographical, environmental, geotechnical and seismic conditions in the main areas evaluated during the exploratory program: Orinoco Delta, Gulf of Paria and North of Paria.« less

A suggested method for reporting a landslide

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fell, Robin; Lacerda, W.; Cruden, D.M.; Evans, S.G.; LaRochelle, P.; Martinez, Fernando; Beltran, Lisandro; Jesenak, J.; Novograd, S.; Krauter, E.; Slunga, E.; Pilot, G.A.; Brand, E.W.; Farkas, J.; Bhandari, R.K.; Cotecchia, V.; Esu, Franco; Fujita, H.; Nakamura, H.; Sassa, K.; Ting, W.H.; Salt, Graham; Janbu, Nilmar; Nespak, A.M.; Gongxian, Wang; Zhuoyuan , Zhang; Michelena, R.; Popescu, Mihai; Viberg, Leif; Bonnard, C.; Hutchinson, J.N.; Einstein , H.H.; Schuster, R.L.; Varnes, D.J.; Ter-Martiros­ian, Z.G.; Ter-Stepanian, G.I.; Anagnosti, P.; Hashizume, M.; Watanabe, Masayuki

1990-01-01

The Landslide Report is a Suggested Method developed by the International Geotechnical Societies' UNESCO Working Party on World Landslide Inventory for reporting the position, date, type, geometry, volume and damage of significant landslides.

Constitutive models for static and dynamic response of geotechnical materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nemat-Nasser, S.

1983-11-01

The objective of this research program has been to develop realistic macroscopic constitutive relations which describe static and dynamic properties of geotechnical materials (soils and rocks). To this end a coordinated theoretical and experimental activity has been followed. The theoretical work includes a balanced combination of statistical microscopic (at the grain size level) modeling and a nonclassical elasto-plastic macroscopic formulation. The latter includes the effects of internal friction, plastic compressibility, and pressure sensitivity, as well as anisotropy which is commonly observed in geotechnical materials. The following specific goals have been sought: (1) to develop three-dimensional constitutive relations under ordinary or high pressures (such as those induced by blasting or tectonic forces which may cause a large amount of densification by relative motion and possible crushing of grains); and (2) to examine and characterize the behavior of saturated granular materials under dynamic loading. The latter item includes characterization of possible liquefaction and subsidence which may be induced in granular materials under confining pressure by ground vibration or passage of waves. The theoretical work has been carefully coordinated with key experiments in order to: (1) understand the basic physics of the process, both at macroscopic and microscopic levels; (2) to verify the corresponding theoretical predictions; and (3) to establish relevant material parameters.

Application of dynamic programming to evaluate the slope stability of a vertical extension to a balefill.

PubMed

Kremen, Arie; Tsompanakis, Yiannis

2010-04-01

The slope-stability of a proposed vertical extension of a balefill was investigated in the present study, in an attempt to determine a geotechnically conservative design, compliant with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regulations, to maximize the utilization of unclaimed disposal capacity. Conventional geotechnical analytical methods are generally limited to well-defined failure modes, which may not occur in landfills or balefills due to the presence of preferential slip surfaces. In addition, these models assume an a priori stress distribution to solve essentially indeterminate problems. In this work, a different approach has been applied, which avoids several of the drawbacks of conventional methods. Specifically, the analysis was performed in a two-stage process: (a) calculation of stress distribution, and (b) application of an optimization technique to identify the most probable failure surface. The stress analysis was performed using a finite element formulation and the location of the failure surface was located by dynamic programming optimization method. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the various waste strength parameters of the underlying mathematical model on the results, namely the factor of safety of the landfill. Although this study focuses on the stability investigation of an expanded balefill, the methodology presented can easily be applied to general geotechnical investigations.

Reconstructing former urban environments by combining geophysical electrical methods and geotechnical investigations—an example from Chania, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soupios, P. M.; Loupasakis, C.; Vallianatos, F.

2008-06-01

Nowadays, geophysical prospecting is implemented in order to resolve a diversity of geological, hydrogeological, environmental and geotechnical problems. Although plenty of applications and a lot of research have been conducted in the countryside, only a few cases have been reported in the literature concerning urban areas, mainly due to high levels of noise present that aggravate most of the geophysical methods or due to spatial limitations that hinder normal method implementation. Among all geophysical methods, electrical resistivity tomography has proven to be a rapid technique and the most robust with regard to urban noise. This work presents a case study in the urban area of Chania (Crete Island, Greece), where electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) has been applied for the detection and identification of possible buried ancient ruins or other man-made structures, prior to the construction of a building. The results of the detailed geophysical survey indicated eight areas of interest providing resistivity anomalies. Those anomalies were analysed and interpreted combining the resistivity readings with the geotechnical borehole data and the historical bibliographic reports—referring to the 1940s (Xalkiadakis 1997 Industrial Archaeology in Chania Territory pp 51-62). The collected ERT-data were processed by applying advanced algorithms in order to obtain a 3D-model of the study area that depicts the interesting subsurface structures more clearly and accurately.

Development of a geotechnical information database.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-06-01

The purpose of this project was to create a database for existing, current, and future geotechnical records and data. : The project originated from the Geotechnical Design Section at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and : Development (LADOT...

A Gis Model Application Supporting The Analysis of The Seismic Hazard For The Urban Area of Catania (italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grasso, S.; Maugeri, M.

After the Summit held in Washington on August 20-22 2001 to plan the first World Conference on the mitigation of Natural Hazards, a Group for the analysis of Natural Hazards within the Mediterranean area has been formed. The Group has so far determined the following hazards: (1) Seismic hazard (hazard for historical buildings included); (2) Hazard linked to the quantity and quality of water; (3) Landslide hazard; (4) Volcanic hazard. The analysis of such hazards implies the creation and the management of data banks, which can only be used if the data are properly geo-settled to allow a crossed use of them. The obtained results must be therefore represented on geo-settled maps. The present study is part of a research programme, namely "Detailed Scenarios and Actions for Seismic Prevention of Damage in the Urban Area of Catania", financed by the National Department for the Civil Protection and the National Research Council-National Group for the Defence Against Earthquakes (CNR-GNDT). Nowadays the south-eastern area of Sicily, called the "Iblea" seismic area of Sicily, is considered as one of the most intense seismic zones in Italy, based on the past and current seismic history and on the typology of civil buildings. Safety against earthquake hazards has two as pects: structural safety against potentially destructive dynamic forces and site safety related to geotechnical phenomena such as amplification, land sliding and soil liquefaction. So the correct evaluation of seismic hazard is highly affected by risk factors due to geological nature and geotechnical properties of soils. The effect of local geotechnical conditions on damages suffered by buildings under seismic conditions has been widely recognized, as it is demonstrated by the Manual for Zonation on Seismic Geotechnical Hazards edited by the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (TC4, 1999). The evaluation of local amplification effects may be carried out by means of either rigorous complex methods of analysis or qualitative procedures. A semi quantitative procedure based on the definition of the geotechnical hazard index has been applied for the zonation of the seismic geotechnical hazard of the city of Catania. In particular this procedure has been applied to define the influence of geotechnical properties of soil in a central area of the city of Catania, where some historical buildings of great importance are sited. It was also performed an investigation based on the inspection of more than one hundred historical ecclesiastical buildings of great importance, located in the city. Then, in order to identify the amplification effects due to the site conditions, a geotechnical survey form was prepared, to allow a semi quantitative evaluation of the seismic geotechnical hazard for all these historical buildings. In addition, to evaluate the foundation soil time -history response, a 1-D dynamic soil model was employed for all these buildings, considering the non linearity of soil behaviour. Using a GIS, a map of the seismic geotechnical hazard, of the liquefaction hazard and a preliminary map of the seismic hazard for the city of Catania have been obtained. From the analysis of obtained results it may be noticed that high hazard zones are mainly clayey sites

Technology development plan: Geotechnical survey systems for OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) cold water pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valent, Philip J.; Riggins, Michael

1989-04-01

An overview is given of current and developing technologies and techniques for performing geotechnical investigations for siting and designing Cold Water Pipes (CWP) for shelf-resting Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power plants. The geotechnical in situ tools used to measure the required parameters and the equipment/systems used to deploy these tools are identified. The capabilities of these geotechnical tools and deployment systems are compared to the data requirements for the CWP foundation/anchor design, and shortfalls are identified. For the last phase of geotechnical data gathering for design, a drillship will be required to perform soil boring work, to obtain required high quality sediment samples for laboratory dynamic testing, and to perform deep penetration in situ tests. To remedy shortfalls and to reduce the future OTEC CWP geotechnical survey costs, it is recommended that a seafloor resting machine be developed to advance the friction cone penetrometer, and also probably a pressuremeter, to provide geotechnical parameters to shallow subseafloor penetrations on slopes of 35 deg and in water depths to 1300 m.

Development of geotechnical data schema in transportation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

The objective of "Development of Geotechnical Data Schema in Transportation" is to develop an : international standard interchange format for geotechnical data. This standard will include a data : dictionary and XML schema which are GML compliant. Th...

Development of a geotechnical information database.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

The purpose of this project was to create a user-friendly geotechnical Web site, so the LADOTD Headquarters Geotechnical Design Section and other LADOTD sections will have access to the appropriate and necessary resources to make the best design d...

Development of geotechnical analysis and design modules for the Virginia Department of Transportation's geotechnical database.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

In 2003, an Internet-based Geotechnical Database Management System (GDBMS) was developed for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) using distributed Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology for data management, archival, retrieval, ...

Empirical relationship between electrical resistivity and geotechnical parameters: A case study of Federal University of Technology campus, Akure SW, Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akintorinwa, O. J.; Oluwole, S. T.

2018-06-01

For several decades, geophysical prospecting method coupled with geotechnical analysis has become increasingly useful in evaluating the subsurface for both pre and post engineering investigations. Shallow geophysical tool is often used alongside geotechnical method to evaluate subsurface soil for engineering study to obtain information which may include the subsurface lithology and their thicknesses, competence of the bedrock and depths to its upper interface, and competence of the material that make up the overburden, especially the shallow section which serves as host for foundations of engineering structures (Aina et al., 1996; Adewumi and Olorunfemi, 2005; and Idornigie et al., 2006). This information helps the engineers to correctly locate and design the foundation of engineering structures. The information also serves as guide to the choice of design and suitable materials needed for road construction (Akinlabi and Adeyemi, 2014). Lack of knowledge of the properties of subsurface may leads to the failure of most engineering structures. Therefore, it is of great importance to carry out a pre-construction investigation of a proposed site in order to ascertain the fitness of the host earth material.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Athmer, C.; Ho, S.V.; Hughes, B.M.

Contamination in low-permeability soils poses a significant technical challenge to in-situ remediation efforts. Poor accessibility to the contaminants and difficulty in delivery of treatment reagents have rendered existing in-situ treatments such as bioremediation, vapor extraction, and pump and treat rather ineffective when applied to low permeability soils present at many contaminated sites. The technology is an integrated in-situ treatment in which established geotechnical methods are used to install degradation zones directly in the contaminated soil and electro-osmosis is utilized to move the contaminants back and forth through those zones until the treatment is completed. The present Topical Report for Taskmore » {number_sign}7.2 summarizes the Field Scale Test conducted by Monsanto Company, DuPont, and General Electric.« less

Development of bilateral data transferability in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Geotechnical Database Management System Framework.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

An Internet-based, spatiotemporal Geotechnical Database Management System (GDBMS) Framework was designed, developed, and implemented at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2002 to retrieve, manage, archive, and analyze geotechnical da...

6th international conference on case histories in geotechnical engineering August 2008conference report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-01-01

Due to uncertainty in the nature of soils, a systematic study of the performance of geotechnical structures and its match with predictions is extremely important. Therefore, considerable research effort is being devoted to geotechnical engineering th...

Development of the interconnectivity and enhancement (ICE) module in the Virginia Department of Transportation's Geotechnical Database Management System Framework.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

An Internet-based, spatiotemporal Geotechnical Database Management System (GDBMS) Framework was implemented at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 2002 to manage geotechnical data using a distributed Geographical Information System (G...

Analysis of change orders in geotechnical engineering work at INDOT : [technical summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

There was a perception at INDOT that the number of change orders connected with geotechnical work was excessive, and that, as a consequence, geotechnical projects were not completed on time or within budget. It was reported that INDOT construction pr...

Integration of Magnetic and Geotechnical methods for Shallow Subsurface Soil Characterization at Sungai Batu, Kedah, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samuel, Y. M.; Saad, R.; Muztaza, N. M.; Saidin, M. M.; Muhammad, S. B.

2018-04-01

Magnetic and geotechnical methods were used for shallow subsurface soil characterization at Sungai Batu, Kedah, (Malaysia). Ground magnetic data were collected along a survey line of length 160 m long at 2 m constant station spacing, while soil drilling using hand auger was conducted at 21 m on the survey line using 0.2 m sampling interval drilled to a depth of 5 m. Result from the processed magnetic profile data shows distribution of magnetic residuals in the range of -4.55 to 1.61 nT, with magnetic low (-4.55 nT to -0.058 nT) and were identified at distances 4 m, 10 to 16 m, 20 to 26 m, 58 m, 82 m, 104 to 106 m, 118 m, and 124 to 140 m. The magnetic lows are attributes of sediments. The result from the soil drilling shows sticky samples with variable sizes, greyish to brownish / reddish in colour, and some of the samples show the presence of shiny and black spots. The characteristics of the samples suggest the soil as a by-product of completely weathered rock; weak with high water content and classified as Grade V soil. The study concludes; integration of geophysical and geotechnical methods aided in characterizing the subsurface soil at Sungai Batu. The result was correlated with previous studies and confirms the importance of integrated approach in minimising ambiguity in interpretation.

Training Course in Geotechnical and Foundation Engineering. Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering: Reference Manual. Chapters 4, Ground Motion Characterization, and 8, Liquefaction and Seismic Settlement.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-12-01

This manual was written to provide training on how to apply principles of geotechnical earthquake engineering to planning, design, and retrofit of highway facilities. Reproduced here are two chapters 4 and 8 in the settlement, respectively. These cha...

Geophysical testing of rock and its relationships to physical properties

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-02-01

Testing techniques were designed to characterize spatial variability in geotechnical engineering physical parameters of : rock formations. Standard methods using seismic waves, which are routinely used for shallow subsurface : investigation, have lim...

Correlation of Resistivity Value with Geotechnical N-Value of Sedimentary Area in Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akip Tan, S. N. Mohd; Edy Tonnizam, M.; Saad, R.; Dan, M. F. Md; Nordiana, M. M.; Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Madun, A.

2018-04-01

Electrical resistivity survey and the geotechnical SPT blow counts (N-value) were carried out simultaneously on the tropically weathered sedimentary rock mass for an excavation project at Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia. This study aims to determine subsurface profile by using 2D-resistivity methods and correlate with N-value derived from boring works. Four boreholes were investigated in five survey lines that revealed the site is underlain by moderately to completely weathered sandstone, clay, silt and shale. Data analysis from 2D-resistivity image shows that zones with high resistivity value generally have high N-value, and vice versa. Five zones have inversed the proportional relation between N-value and resistivity Ωm value due to different types of soil lithology. It indicates that 2D-resistivity is significance to detect bodies of anomalous materials or estimating the depth of bedrock. As a conclusion, the integration of geophysical and geotechnical analysis provides a promise approach to understand some relationship concerning the subsurface subsurface ground through the combination of 2D-resistivity and N-value.

Performance assessment of geotechnical structural elements using distributed fiber optic sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monsberger, Christoph; Woschitz, Helmut; Lienhart, Werner; Račanský, Václav; Hayden, Martin

2017-04-01

Geotechnical structural elements are used to underpin heavy structures or to stabilize slopes and embankments. The bearing capacity of these components is usually verified by geotechnical load tests. It is state of the art to measure the resulting deformations with electronic sensors at the surface and therefore, the load distribution along the objects cannot be determined. This paper reports about distributed strain measurements with an optical backscatter reflectometer along geotechnical elements. In addition to the installation of the optical fiber in harsh field conditions, results of investigations of the fiber optic system in the laboratory and the most significant results of the field trials are presented.

PREFACE: International Symposium on Geohazards and Geomechanics (ISGG2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utili, S.

2015-09-01

These Conference Proceedings contain the full papers in electronic format of the International Symposium on 'Geohazards and Geomechanics', held at University of Warwick, UK, on September 10-11, 2015. The Symposium brings together the complementary expertise of world leading groups carrying out research on the engineering assessment, prevention and mitigation of geohazards. A total of 58 papers, including 8 keynote lectures cover phenomena such as landslide initiation and propagation, debris flow, rockfalls, soil liquefaction, ground improvement, hazard zonation, risk mapping, floods and gas and leachates. The techniques reported in the papers to investigate geohazards involve numerical modeling (finite element method, discrete element method, material point method, meshless methods and particle methods), experimentation (laboratory experiments, centrifuge tests and field monitoring) and analytical simplified techniques. All the contributions in this volume have been peered reviewed according to rigorous international standards. However the authors take full responsibility for the content of their papers. Agreements are in place for the edition of a special issue dedicated to the Symposium in three international journals: Engineering Geology, Computational Particle Mechanics and International Journal of Geohazards and Environment. Authors of selected papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their work to these Journals that will independently assess the papers. The Symposium is supported by the Technical Committee 'Geo-mechanics from Micro to Macro' (TC105) of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), 'Slope Stability in Engineering Practice' (TC208), 'Forensic Geotechnical Engineering' (TC302), the British Geotechnical Association and the EU FP7 IRSES project 'Geohazards and Geomechanics'. Also the organizers would like to thank all authors and their supporting institutions for their contributions. For any further enquiries or information on the conference proceedings please contact the organizer, Dr Stefano Utili, University of Warwick, s.utili@warwick.ac.uk.

Correlation of geotextile puncture test methods : research brief.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-05-01

Geotextiles are commonly used in pavements, earth retaining structures, landfills and other geotechnical contexts. Various tests are conducted to evaluate and classify geotextiles to determine their suitability for each of these applications. The AST...

Dalton Highway : characterization of foundation soils

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1984-09-01

In this report we represent the results of our geotechnical characterization of natural foundation soils along the Dalton Highway from the Livengood to Prudhoe Bay. In addition, it analyzes this data by statistical methods and caracterizes foundation...

Evaluation of physico-mechanical properties of clayey soils using electrical resistivity imaging technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kibria, Golam

Resistivity imaging (RI) is a promising approach to obtaining continuous profile of soil subsurface. This method offers simple technique to identify moisture variation and heterogeneity of the investigated area. However, at present, only qualitative information of subsurface can be obtained using RI. A study on the quantification of geotechnical properties has become important for rigorous use of this method in the evaluation of geohazard potential and construction quality control of landfill liner system. Several studies have been performed to describe electrical resistivity of soil as a function of pore fluid conductivity and surface conductance. However, characterization tests on pore water and surface charge are not typically performed in a conventional geotechnical investigation. The overall objective of this study is to develop correlations between geotechnical parameters and electrical resistivity of soil, which would provide a mean to estimate geotechnical properties from RI. As a part of the study, multiple regression analyses were conducted to develop practically applicable models correlating resistivity with influential geotechnical parameters. The soil samples considered in this study were classified as highly plastic clay (CH) and low plasticity clay (CL) according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Based on the physical tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, kaolinite was identified as the dominant mineral with some traces of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. Electrical resistivity tests were conducted on compacted clays and undisturbed samples under varied geotechnical conditions. The experimental results indicated that the degree of saturation substantially influenced electrical resistivity. Electrical resistivity decreased as much as 11 times from initial value for the increase of degree of saturation from 23 to 100% in the laboratory tests on compacted clays. In case of undisturbed soil samples, resistivity decreased as much as sixteen fold (49.4 to 3.2 Ohm-m) for an increase of saturation from 31 to 100%. Furthermore, the resistivity results were different for the specimens at a specific degree of saturation because of varied surface activity and isomorphous substitution of clayey soils. In addition to physical properties, compressibility of clays was correlated with electrical conductivity. Based on the investigation, it was determined that the electrical conductivity vs. pressure curves followed similar trends as e vs. logp curves. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were developed for compacted and undisturbed samples using statistical analysis software SAS (2009). During model development, degree of saturation and CEC were selected as independent variables. The proposed models were validated using experimental results on a different set of samples. Moreover, the applicability of the models in the determination of degrees of saturation was evaluated using field RI tests.

Federal truck size and weight policy : looking beyond the comprehensive truck size and weight study : Irvine, California, May 10-11, 2000

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-05-01

This document presents a series of five design examples illustrating the principles and methods of geotechnical earthquake engineering and seismic design for highway facilities. These principles and methods are described in Volume I - Design Principl...

Geotechnical behavior of the MSW in Tianziling landfill.

PubMed

Zhu, Xiang-Rong; Jin, Jian-Min; Fang, Peng-Fei

2003-01-01

The valley shaped Tianziling landfill of Hangzhou in China built in 1991 to dispose of municipal solid waste (MSW) was designed for a service life of 13 years. The problem of waste landfill slope stability and expansion must be considered from the geotechnical engineering point of view, for which purpose, it is necessary to understand the geotechnical properties of the MSW in the landfill, some of whose physical properties were measured by common geotechnical tests, such as those on unit weight, water content, organic matter content, specific gravity, coefficient of permeability, compressibility, etc. The mechanical properties were studied by direct shear test, triaxial compression test, and static and dynamic penetration tests. Some strength parameters for engineering analysis were obtained.

Comparison of conventional and bio-treated methods as dust suppressants.

PubMed

Naeimi, Maryam; Chu, Jian

2017-10-01

Dust is an environmental, geotechnical, health, and economical hazard. Fugitive dust emanating along transportation systems such as roads, railways, and airports especially can have significant impacts on health, safety, material loss, cost of maintenance, and interfere with the facilities. Quantitative studies on the effectiveness of the proper dust palliatives and their environmental impact have been studied with a number of biological and chemical methods. The objective of this study was to establish a method for using the microbial Induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) approach to reduce the percent of mass loss against erosive force of wind regarding to the concentration and characteristics of aggregate used, climate, and traffic amounts. The results of this study showed that the required precipitation for dust control of sand by 70% is less than 15 g CaCO 3 /m 2 between sand grains in bio-treated sand. The wind tunnel test results of this study also indicate that the effectiveness of the bio-treatment method for dust control depends on many variables, such as the percent of precipitated calcium carbonate and tensile strength.

MX Siting Investigation. Prime Characterization Sites Central High Plains Candidate Siting Province.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-15

information obtained from these studies , in combination with data obtained in the Screen- ing studies , has been used for geotechnical ranking (FN-TR-25). I...Plains Candi- date Siting Province (CSP), one of six provinces included in the geotechnical Characterization studies . The location of the sites within...remaining after Intermediate Screening were divided into CSPs based on similar geotechnical characteristics. Intermediate Screening studies (FN-TR-17

Control of embankment settlement field verification on PCPT prediction methods.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-07-01

Piezocone penetration tests (PCPT) have been widely used by geotechnical engineers for subsurface investigation and evaluation of different soil properties such as strength and deformation characteristics of the soil. This report focuses on the verif...

SITE Technology Capsule. Demonstration of Rocky Mountain Remediation Services Soil Amendment

EPA Science Inventory

This report briefly summarizes the Rocky Mountain Remediation Services treatment technology demonstration of a soil amendment process for lead contaminated soil at Roseville, OH. The evaluation included leaching, bioavailability, geotechnical, and geochemical methods.

Control of embankment settlement field verification on PCPT prediction methods.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-07-01

Piezocone penetration tests (PCPT) have been widely used by geotechnical engineers for subsurface : investigation and evaluation of different soil properties such as strength and deformation characteristics of the : soil. This report focuses on the v...

Behavior of drilled shafts with high-strength reinforcement and casing.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

Drilled shafts provide significant geotechnical resistance for support of highway bridges, and are used throughout the States of Oregon : and Washington to meet their structural foundation requirements. Due to changes in construction methods and poor...

Sub Surface Geoelectrical Imaging for Potential Geohazard in Infrastructure Construction in Sidoarjo, East Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumintadireja, Prihadi; Irawan, Diky

2017-06-01

Mud volcano remnants are identified in Surabaya and adjacent areas. The people in East Java based on historical report are custom and able to adjust with the natural phenomena within their areas. Sidoarjo mud volcano phenomena which coincident with drilling activity in 29 May 2006 is making people and government anxious for development a new infrastructure such as high rise building, toll road etc. An understanding of a geological hazard which can be single, sequential or combined events in their origin is the main key importance in subsurface imaging. Geological hazard can be identified by geophysical, geological, geotechnical method. The prompt selection of geophysical method to reveal subsurface condition is very important factor instead of survey design and field data acquisition. Revealing subsurface condition is very important information for site investigation consists of geological, geophysical and geotechnical data, whereas data analysis will help civil engineer design and calculate the construction safety.

Comparison of Shear-wave Profiles for a Compacted Fill in a Geotechnical Test Pit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sylvain, M. B.; Pando, M. A.; Whelan, M.; Bents, D.; Park, C.; Ogunro, V.

2014-12-01

This paper investigates the use of common methods for geological seismic site characterization including: i) multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW),ii) crosshole seismic surveys, and iii) seismic cone penetrometer tests. The in-situ tests were performed in a geotechnical test pit located at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte High Bay Laboratory. The test pit has dimensions of 12 feet wide by 12 feet long by 10 feet deep. The pit was filled with a silty sand (SW-SM) soil, which was compacted in lifts using a vibratory plate compactor. The shear wave velocity values from the 3 techniques are compared in terms of magnitude versus depth as well as spatially. The comparison was carried out before and after inducing soil disturbance at controlled locations to evaluate which methods were better suited to captured the induced soil disturbance.

Post-disaster Risk Assessment for Hilly Terrain exposed to Seismic Loading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yates, Katherine; Villeneuve, Marlene; Wilson, Thomas

2013-04-01

The 2010-present Canterbury earthquake sequence in the central South Island of New Zealand has identified and highlighted the value of practical, standardised and coordinated geotechnical risk assessment guidelines for inhabited structures in the aftermath of a geotechnical disaster. The lack of such guidelines and provisions to enforce risk assessments was a major gap which hindered coordinated, timely and transparent management of geotechnical risk. The earthquake sequence initiated a series of rockfall, cliff collapse and landslide events around the Port Hills southeast of Christchurch. This was particularly the case with the 22 February 2011 earthquakes, which put thousands of people inhabiting the area at risk. Lives were lost and thousands of houses and critical infrastructure were damaged. Given the highly seismic environment in New Zealand and a significant number of active faults near population centres, it is prudent to develop such guidelines to ensure response mechanisms and geotechnical risk assessment is effective following an earthquake rupture in a largely populated urban environment. For response and associated risk assessments to be effective, the mechanisms of the geotechnical failure should be taken into consideration as part of the life safety assessment. This is to ensure that the hazard's potential risk is fully assessed and encompassed in decisions regarding life safety. This paper examines the event sequence, slope failure mechanisms and the geotechnical risk management approach that developed immediately post-earthquake. It highlights experiences from key municipal, management and operational stakeholders who were involved in geotechnical risk assessment during the Canterbury earthquake sequence, and sheds light on the evolution of information needed through time during the emergency response and identify the hard won lessons. It then discusses what is needed for life safety assessment post-earthquake and create awareness of potential geotechnical hazards. This is not only important to New Zealand but has international implications as there are many other regions of the world also subject to high seismic risk.

Application of innovative nondestructive methods to geotechnical and environmental investigations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-04-01

Geophysical surveys were conducted for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) by the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Missouri-Rolla. This report contains the results of several projects that utilized nondestructiv...

On Unsaturated Soil Mechanics - Personal Views on Current Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pande, G. N.; Pietruszczak, S.

2015-09-01

This paper presents the authors' personal views on current research being conducted by various research groups around the world in the broad area of mechanics of unsaturated geomaterials in general and soils in particular. The topic is of interest to a wide spectrum of scientists and engineers working in diverse areas such as geology and geophysics, powder technology, agricultural, petroleum, chemical, geotechnical, civil, environmental and nuclear engineering. Even if we restrict ourselves to civil, geotechnical and environmental engineering, it is noted that a plethora of hypotheses as well as a number of empirical and semi-empirical relations have been introduced for describing the mechanics of unsaturated porous media. However, many of these proposed advances as well as methods of testing may lack sound theoretical basis.

An Overview of the Geological and Geotechnical Aspects of the New Railway Line in the Lower Inn Valley

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eder, Stefan; Poscher, Gerhard; Sedlacek, Christoph

The new railway line in the lower Inn-valley is part of the Brenner railway axis from Munich to Verona (feeder north). The first section between the villages of Kundl and Radfeld, west of Wörgl, and the village of Baumkirchen, east of Innsbruck, will become one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever built in Austria, with a length of approx. 43 km and an underground portion of approx. 80%. The article gives an overview of the various geologic formations - hard rock sections in the valley slopes, different water-saturated gravel and sand formations in the valley floor and geotechnically difficult conditions in sediments of Quaternary terraces. It also describes the methodology of the soil reconnaissance using groundwater models for hydrogeologic estimations, core drillings for evaluating geologic models and describes the experiences gained from the five approx. 7.5 km long reconnaissance tunnels for geotechnical and hydrogeological testing. The results of the soil reconnaissance were used to plan different construction methods, such as excavation in soft rock under a jet grouting roof and compressed-air, as well as mechanised shield with fluid support.

Geotechnical Risk Classification for Underground Mines / Klasyfikacja Poziomu Zagrożenia Geotechnicznego W Kopalniach Podziemnych

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Ritesh Kumar; Rinne, Mikael

2015-03-01

Underground mining activities are prone to major hazards largely owing to geotechnical reasons. Mining combined with the confined working space and uncertain geotechnical data leads to hazards having the potential of catastrophic consequences. These incidents have the potential of causing multiple fatalities and large financial damages. Use of formal risk assessment in the past has demonstrated an important role in the prediction and prevention of accidents in risk prone industries such as petroleum, nuclear and aviation. This paper proposes a classification system for underground mining operations based on their geotechnical risk levels. The classification is done based on the type of mining method employed and the rock mass in which it is carried out. Mining methods have been classified in groups which offer similar geotechnical risk. The rock mass classification has been proposed based on bulk rock mass properties which are collected as part of the routine mine planning. This classification has been subdivided for various stages of mine planning to suit the extent of available data. Alpha-numeric coding has been proposed to identify a mining operation based on the competency of rock and risk of geotechnical failures. This alpha numeric coding has been further extended to identify mining activity under `Geotechnical Hazard Potential (GHP)'. GHP has been proposed to be used as a preliminary tool of risk assessment and risk ranking for a mining activity. The aim of such classification is to be used as a guideline for the justification of a formal geotechnical risk assessment. Górnictwo podziemne pociąga za sobą różnorakie zagrożenia spowodowane przez uwarunkowania geotechniczne. Urabianie złoża w połączeniu z pracą w zamkniętej przestrzeni oraz z niepewnymi danymi geotechnicznymi powodować może zagrożenia, które w konsekwencji prowadzić mogą do wypadków, a te potencjalnie powodować mogą skutki śmiertelne dla osób oraz poważne straty finansowe. Wykorzystanie przepisowych metod oceny ryzyka w przeszłości wykazało ich istotną rolę w przewidywaniu i zapobieganiu wypadkom i zagrożeniom w dziedzinach najbardziej na nie narażonych, a więc w przemyśle naftowym, jądrowym oraz w lotnictwie. W niniejszej pracy zaproponowano system klasyfikacji operacji w górnictwie podziemnym w oparciu o poziom zagrożenia geotechnicznego. Klasyfikacji dokonano uwzględniając zastosowana metodę urabiania oraz rodzaj urabianego górotworu. Przedstawiono kategorie metod urabiania o podobnym poziomie zagrożenia geotechnicznego. Zaproponowano klasyfikację górotworu na podstawie właściwości wytrzymałościowych określanych rutynowo na etapie planowania kopalni. Klasyfikacja ta podzielona jest na kilka pod-etapów odpowiadającym etapom planowania kopalni, tak by uwzględnić zakres dostępnych na każdym etapie danych. Zastosowano kodowanie alfanumeryczne dla wskazania metody urabiania w oparciu o dane o zwięzłości skały i ryzyko zagrożenia geotechnicznego. Kodowanie alfanumeryczne zostało następnie rozszerzone dla identyfikacji operacji górniczych w ramach kategorii "Poziom zagrożenia geotechnicznego". Wskaźnik ten wykorzystywany jest jako wstępne narzędzie oceny ryzyka wystąpienia zagrożenia oraz klasyfikacji poziomu zagrożenia związanego z działalnością górniczą. Celem takiej klasyfikacji jest jej wykorzystanie jako wytycznych i uzasadnienia dla stosowania formalnych metod oceny ryzyka geotechnicznego.

Evaluation of Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT) for Use with Transportation Projects Phase 1

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-07-01

The ODOT Office of Geotechnical Engineering (OGE) currently uses conventional drilling methods (e.g., hollow stem auger, solid stem auger) to perform subsurface investigations in unconsolidated materials. These techniques have been used for decades a...

Lateral support systems and underpinning, volume III : construction methods.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

This report provides current information and design guidelines on cut-and-cover tunneling for practicing engineers. The main emphasis is on the geotechnical aspects of engineering. Included in this volume is a state-of-the-art summary of displacement...

Evaluation of cone penetration testing (CPT) for use with transportation projects : executive summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-04-01

The ODOT Office of Geotechnical : Engineering (OGE) currently uses : conventional drilling methods (e.g., hollow : stem auger, solid stem auger) to perform : subsurface investigations in soil. These : techniques have been used for decades and : have ...

Potential geologic hazards and constraints for blocks in proposed North Atlantic OCS Oil and gas lease sale 52

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carpenter, G.B.; Cardinell, A.P.; Francois, D.K.; Good, L.K.; Lewis, R.L.; Stiles, N.T.

1982-01-01

Analysis of high-resolution geophysical data collected over 540 blocks tentatively selected for leasing in proposed OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sale 52 (Georges Bank) revealed a number of potential geologic hazards to oil and gas exploration and development activities: evidence of mass movements and shallow gas deposits on the continental slope. No potential hazards were observed on the continental shelf or rise. Other geology-related problems, termed constraints because they pose a relatively low degree of risk and can be routinely dealt with by the use of existing technology have been observed on the continental shelf. Constraints identified in the proposed sale area are erosion, sand waves, filled channels and deep faults. Piston cores were collected for geotechnical analysis at selected locations on the continental slope in the proposed lease sale area. The core locations were selected to provide information on slope stability and to establish the general geotechnical properties of the sediments. Preliminary results of a testing program suggest that the surficial sediment cover is stable with respect to mass movement.

Assessing the impact of preload on pyrite-rich sediment and groundwater quality.

PubMed

Karikari-Yeboah, Ohene; Addai-Mensah, Jonas

2017-02-01

Pyrite-rich sediments would, invariably, undergo redox reactions which would lead to acidic aqueous environment containing solubilized toxic metal species. When such sediments are subjected to preload, a technique employed by geotechnical engineers to improve the load-bearing capacity of highly compressible formation, transient flow of pore water, accompanied by acidity transfer, would occur as a response. Despite the concomitant environmental and socio-economic significance, to date, there has been limited interdisciplinary research on the underpinning geotechnical engineering and geo-environmental science issues for pyrite-rich sediments under preload. In this study, we investigate the effect of pyrite-rich sediment pore water transfer under preload surcharge on the receiving environment and the impact on the groundwater speciation and quality. Sediment samples were obtained at close depth intervals from boreholes established within pristine areas and those subjected to the preload application. Soil and pore water samples were subjected to solid/solution speciation, moisture contents, soil pH and the Atterberg Limits' analyses using standard analytical techniques and methods. Standpipes were also installed in the boreholes for groundwater sampling and in situ monitoring of water quality parameters. It is shown that the imposition of preload surcharge over pyritic sediment created a reducing environment rich in SO 4 2- , iron oxide minerals and organic matter. This reducing environment fostered organic carbon catabolism to generate excess pyrite and bicarbonate alkalinity, which would invariably impact adversely on soil quality and plant growth. These were accompanied by increase in pH, dissolved Al, Ca, Mg and K species beneath the surcharge.

Geotechnical centrifuge use at University of Cambridge Geotechnical Centre, August-September 1991

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, Paul A.

1992-01-01

A geotechnical centrifuge applies elevated acceleration to small-scale soil models to simulate body forces and stress levels characteristic of full-size soil structures. Since the constitutive behavior of soil is stress level development, the centrifuge offers considerable advantage in studying soil structures using models. Several experiments were observed and described in relative detail, including experiments in soil dynamics and liquefaction study, an experiment investigation leaning towers on soft foundations, and an experiment investigating migration of hot pollutants through soils.

NRL Hyperspectral Imagery Trafficability Tool (HITT): Software andSpectral-Geotechnical Look-up Tables for Estimation and Mapping of Soil Bearing Strength from Hyperspectral Imagery

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-28

spectral-geotechnical libraries and models developed during remote sensing and calibration/ validation campaigns conducted by NRL and collaborating...geotechnical libraries and models developed during remote sensing and calibration/ validation campaigns conducted by NRL and collaborating institutions in four...2010; Bachmann, Fry, et al, 2012a). The NRL HITT tool is a model for how we develop and validate software, and the future development of tools by

Determination of the Characteristic Values and Variation Ratio for Sensitive Soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milutinovici, Emilia; Mihailescu, Daniel

2017-12-01

In 2008, Romania adopted Eurocode 7, part II, regarding the geotechnical investigations - called SR EN1997-2/2008. However a previous standard already existed in Romania, by using the mathematical statistics in determination of the calculation values, the requirements of Eurocode can be taken into consideration. The setting of characteristics and calculations values of the geotechnical parameters was finally issued in Romania at the end of 2010 at standard NP122-2010 - “Norm regarding determination of the characteristic and calculation values of the geotechnical parameters”. This standard allows using of data already known from analysed area and setting the calculation values of geotechnical parameters. However, this possibility exist, it is not performed easy in Romania, considering that there isn’t any centralized system of information coming from the geotechnical studies performed for various objectives of private or national interests. Every company performing geotechnical studies tries to organize its own data base, but unfortunately none of them use existing centralized data. When determining the values of calculation, an important role is played by the variation ratio of the characteristic values of a geotechnical parameter. There are recommendations in the mentioned Norm, that could be taken into account, regarding the limits of the variation ratio, but these values are mentioned for Quaternary age soils only, normally consolidated, with a content of organic material < 5%. All of the difficult soils are excluded from the Norm even if they exist and affect the construction foundations on more than a half of the Romania’s surface. A type of difficult soil, extremely widespread on the Romania’s territory, is the contractile soil (with high swelling and contractions, very sensitive to the seasonal moisture variations). This type of material covers and influences the construction foundations in one over third of Romania’s territory. This work is proposing to be a step in determination of limits of the variation ratios for the contractile soils category, for the most used geotechnical parameters in the Romanian engineering practice, namely: the index of consistency and the cohesion.

Simplified methods for evaluating road prism stability

Treesearch

William J. Elliot; Mark Ballerini; David Hall

2003-01-01

Mass failure is one of the most common failures of low-volume roads in mountainous terrain. Current methods for evaluating stability of these roads require a geotechnical specialist. A stability analysis program, XSTABL, was used to estimate the stability of 3,696 combinations of road geometry, soil, and groundwater conditions. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to...

WisDOT geotechnical manual development.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-02-01

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation currently has a Soils Manual and a Geotechnical Bulletin that provides some guidance : to Regional staff and consulting engineering firms on departmental policy and procedures. However, these two publication...

Geotechnical risk analysis user's guide

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1987-03-01

All geotechnical predictions involve uncertainties. These are accounted for additionally by conservative factors of safety. Risk based design, on the other hand, attempts to quantify uncertainties and to adjust design conservatism accordingly. Such m...

Field Evaluation of Advanced Methods of Geotechnical Instrumentation for Transit Tunneling

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1983-09-01

The construction of new rail rapid transit systems and additions to existing systems, has greatly increased the amount of tunneling performed in the United States. Since these transit systems are generally located in urban areas, tunneling is used to...

CalNail : a design tool for soil nail projects using field case histories.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-06-01

Currently, geotechnical staff within Caltrans do not have ready access to detailed information on : previously designed soil nail walls. Much of this information is kept by individual designers, or stored in : paper format, with no organized method o...

SITE EVALUATION OF SOIL AMENDMENT TECHNOLOGIES AT THE CROOKSVILLE/ROSEVILLE POTTERY AREA OF CONCERN - STAR ORGANICS SOIL RESCUE CAPSULE

EPA Science Inventory

This report briefly summarizes Star Organics treatment technology demonstration of a soil amendment process for lead contaminated soil at Roseville, OH. The evaluation included leaching, bioavailability, geotechnical, and geochemical testing methods.

Application of innovative nondestructive methods to geotechnical and environmental investigations : final report, April 2003.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-03-01

Geophysical surveys were conducted for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) by the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Missouri-Rolla. This report contains the results of several projects that utilized nondestructiv...

GeoGIS : phase II.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

A new web-based geotechnical Geographic Information System (GeoGIS) was developed and tested for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) during Phase II of this research project. This web-based system stores geotechnical information about tr...

Making KYTC geotechnical reports available on the web.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-06-01

The Geotechnical Branch of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) prepares technical reports that contain drawings, explanations, and recommendations for road and structure construction projects in Kentucky. These design reports, once complete, a...

Geotechnical publications

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-12-01

The publications listed in this document report the results of research conducted by the Geotechnical Team, a part of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of Infrastructure R&D in McLean, Virginia. This document also collates, categorizes...

Dealing With Shallow-Water Flow in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostermeier, R.

2006-05-01

Some of the Shell experience in dealing with the shallow-water flow problem in the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico (GOM) will be presented. The nature of the problem, including areal extent and over-pressuring mechanisms, will be discussed. Methods for sand prediction and shallow sediment and flow characterization will be reviewed. These include seismic techniques, the use of geo-technical wells, regional trends, and various MWD methods. Some examples of flow incidents with pertinent drilling issues, including well failures and abandonment, will be described. To address the shallow-water flow problem, Shell created a multi-disciplinary team of specialists in geology, geophysics, petrophysics, drilling, and civil engineering. The team developed several methodologies to deal with various aspects of the problem. These include regional trends and data bases, shallow seismic interpretation and sand prediction, well site and casing point selection, geo-technical well design and data interpretation, logging program design and interpretation, cementing design and fluids formulation, methods for remediation and mitigation of lost circulation, and so on. Shell's extensive Deepwater GOM drilling experience has lead to new understanding of the problem. Examples include delineation of trends in shallow water flow occurrence and severity, trends and departures in PP/FG, rock properties pertaining to seismic identification of sands, and so on. New knowledge has also been acquired through the use of geo-technical wells. One example is the observed rapid onset and growth of over-pressures below the mudline. Total trouble costs due to shallow water flow for all GOM operators almost certainly runs into the several hundred million dollars. Though the problem remains a concern, advances in our knowledge and understanding make it a problem that is manageable and not the "show stopper" once feared.

Application of Electrokinetic Stabilisation (EKS) Method for Soft Soil: A Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhar, ATS; Azim, MAM; Syakeera, NN; Jefferson, IF; Rogers, CDF

2017-08-01

Soil properties such as low shear strength, excessive compression, collapsing behavior, high swell potential are some of the undesirable properties of soils in geotechnical engineering and those properties would cause severe distress to the structures. To solve these, an innovative stabilization of Electrokinetic (EKS) has been introduced. Electrokinetic is an applicable technique to transport charged particles and fluid in an electric potential. The EKS demonstrates changes in soil pH due to electrolysis reactions, water flow between the electrodes and migration of ions towards the cathode. This treatment has proven its efficiency in consolidating organic, peat and clayey silt as well as less expensive than other methods. Otherwise, this method also gives advantage by not disturbing site. The primary objective of this review is to discuss the application of electrokinetic and to investigate the current knowledge of electrokinetic in geotechnical application through a literature search and review, including consideration of certain aspects related to the soft soil application that may be relevant to the future study and at the same time addressing some key issues and their implications on soil behaviors.

GeoGIS : phase III.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-08-01

GeoGIS is a web-based geotechnical database management system that is being developed for the Alabama : Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The purpose of GeoGIS is to facilitate the efficient storage and retrieval of : geotechnical documents for A...

Development of a prototype geotechnical report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-01

Archive geotechnical reports in the department contain valuable information such as site maps, : photographs, borehole data, laboratory and field test data, and design analyses. A proper use of the : information may bring significant cost saving for ...

End-user interest in geotechnical data management systems.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-12-01

In conducting geotechnical site investigations, large volumes of subsurface information and associated test data : are generated. The current practice relies on paper-based filing systems that are often difficult and cumbersome : to access by users. ...

Geotechnical information database - phase II.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOTD) has been collecting geotechnical data for : many years in a variety of different formats. Accessing this data and combining it with new data for : the purpose of design, analysis, visualization, and...

24th geotechnical laboratory testing short course

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-02-01

This is a 3-day workshop/short course to teach practicing professionals techniques and procedures for conducting high quality geotechnical laboratory tests. Transportation facility design and construction begins with an investigation of the type, ext...

Development of a geotechnical GIS for subsurface characterization with three dimensional modeling capabilities.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-06-01

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation initiated this research to develop a geographical information system (GIS) that : visualizes subsurface conditions three dimensionally by pulling together geotechnical data containing spatial references....

Development of a statewide landslide inventory program.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-02-01

Development of a comprehensive geotechnical database for risk management of highway landslide problems is described. Computer software selected to program the client/server application in a data window, components and structure of the geotechnical da...

pLog enterprise-enterprise GIS-based geotechnical data management system enhancements.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-12-01

Recent eorts by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the : Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) have developed a Geotechnical Information : Database, with a Geographic Information System (GIS) interface....

2000 report on the value pricing pilot program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-05-01

This document has been written to provide information on how to apply principles of geotechnical earthquake engineering to planning, design, and retrofit of highway facilities. Geotechnical earthquake engineering topics discussed in this document inc...

Correlation of ASTM D4833 and D6241 geotextile puncture test methods and results for use on WisDOT projects.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-04-01

Geotextiles are commonly used in pavements, earth retaining structures, and landfills, as well as other geotechnical applications. Various : tests are conducted to evaluate and classify geotextiles to determine their suitability for different applica...

Reliability Analysis of Retaining Walls Subjected to Blast Loading by Finite Element Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

GuhaRay, Anasua; Mondal, Stuti; Mohiuddin, Hisham Hasan

2018-02-01

Conventional design methods adopt factor of safety as per practice and experience, which are deterministic in nature. The limit state method, though not completely deterministic, does not take into account effect of design parameters, which are inherently variable such as cohesion, angle of internal friction, etc. for soil. Reliability analysis provides a measure to consider these variations into analysis and hence results in a more realistic design. Several studies have been carried out on reliability of reinforced concrete walls and masonry walls under explosions. Also, reliability analysis of retaining structures against various kinds of failure has been done. However, very few research works are available on reliability analysis of retaining walls subjected to blast loading. Thus, the present paper considers the effect of variation of geotechnical parameters when a retaining wall is subjected to blast loading. However, it is found that the variation of geotechnical random variables does not have a significant effect on the stability of retaining walls subjected to blast loading.

Geotechnical effects of the 2015 magnitude 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake and aftershocks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moss, Robb E. S.; Thompson, Eric M.; Kieffer, D Scott; Tiwari, Binod; Hashash, Youssef M A; Acharya, Indra; Adhikari, Basanta; Asimaki, Domniki; Clahan, Kevin B.; Collins, Brian D.; Dahal, Sachindra; Jibson, Randall W.; Khadka, Diwakar; Macdonald, Amy; Madugo, Chris L M; Mason, H Benjamin; Pehlivan, Menzer; Rayamajhi, Deepak; Uprety, Sital

2015-01-01

This article summarizes the geotechnical effects of the 25 April 2015 M 7.8 Gorkha, Nepal, earthquake and aftershocks, as documented by a reconnaissance team that undertook a broad engineering and scientific assessment of the damage and collected perishable data for future analysis. Brief descriptions are provided of ground shaking, surface fault rupture, landsliding, soil failure, and infrastructure performance. The goal of this reconnaissance effort, led by Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance, is to learn from earthquakes and mitigate hazards in future earthquakes.

Geotechnical information database - phase II : [technical summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-05-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOTD) has collected geotechnical data for many years in a variety of diff erent formats. : Accessing this data and combining it with new data for the purpose of design, analysis, visualization, and report...

Geotechnical Asset Management Plan : Technical Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-06-30

Geotechnical assets which include rock and soil slopes, retaining walls, and material sites support and protect the Department's pavements and bridges, and provide the material from which these assets are built. They are the front line of the...

Geotechnical data management at the Virginia Department of Transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-04-01

This report describes the development and implementation of the geotechnical data management system at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The purpose of this project was to develop a practical, comprehensive, enterprise-wide system for...

Compendium of abstracts on statistical applications in geotechnical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hynes-Griffin, M. E.; Deer, G. W.

1983-09-01

The results of a literature search of geotechnical and statistical abstracts are presented in tables listing specific topics, title of the abstract, main author and the file number under which the abstract can be found.

Risk Based Framework for Geotechnical Asset Management

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-12-28

This report presents the outcome from a multi-year research study to incorporate a risk management framework for the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Geotechnical Asset Management (GAM) Plan. The GAM Plan was developed by Paul ...

Seismic impact of the railway on the geotechnical constructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stolárik, Martin; Pinka, Miroslav

2017-09-01

Nowadays, the focus on more ecological means of material and persons transport is still higher. Big loads can be transported on railways more effectively and with lower environment impact than on roads. The geotechnical structures are inherent parts of railway infrastructure, such as embankments, sides of notches and, of course, tunnels, foundation constructions of buildings or pillars of bridges and the others geotechnical constructions (e.g. retaining walls, culverts, transition area of bridges). By train pass, vibrations are caused and these vibrations are relayed to the soil. These vibrations can make adverse impact to surrounding objects and to technologies placed in. This so far uncared-for influence gets into the foreground by current trend of everyday life technical equipment increasing. The article introduces different kinds of geotechnical structures and the influence of by-passing railway transport on their constructions and surroundings. The data are evaluated in the amplitude and frequency domain.

Geotechnical engineering in US elementary schools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suescun-Florez, Eduardo; Iskander, Magued; Kapila, Vikram; Cain, Ryan

2013-06-01

This paper reports on the results of several geotechnical engineering-related science activities conducted with elementary-school students. Activities presented include soil permeability, contact stress, soil stratigraphy, shallow and deep foundations, and erosion in rivers. The permeability activity employed the LEGO NXT platform for data acquisition, the soil profile and foundations activity employed natural and transparent soils as well as LEGO-based foundation models, and the erosion activity utilised a 3D printer to assist with construction of building models. The activities seek to enhance students' academic achievement, excite them about geotechnical engineering, and motivate them to study science and math. Pre- and post-activity evaluations were conducted to assess both the suitability of the activities and the students' learning. Initial results show that students gain a reasonable understanding of engineering principles. Moreover, the geotechnical engineering activities provided students an opportunity to apply their math skills and science knowledge.

A State-of-the-Art Review on Soil Reinforcement Technology Using Natural Plant Fiber Materials: Past Findings, Present Trends and Future Directions.

PubMed

Gowthaman, Sivakumar; Nakashima, Kazunori; Kawasaki, Satoru

2018-04-04

Incorporating sustainable materials into geotechnical applications increases day by day due to the consideration of impacts on healthy geo-environment and future generations. The environmental issues associated with conventional synthetic materials such as cement, plastic-composites, steel and ashes necessitate alternative approaches in geotechnical engineering. Recently, natural fiber materials in place of synthetic material have gained momentum as an emulating soil-reinforcement technique in sustainable geotechnics. However, the natural fibers are innately different from such synthetic material whereas behavior of fiber-reinforced soil is influenced not only by physical-mechanical properties but also by biochemical properties. In the present review, the applicability of natural plant fibers as oriented distributed fiber-reinforced soil (ODFS) and randomly distributed fiber-reinforced soil (RDFS) are extensively discussed and emphasized the inspiration of RDFS based on the emerging trend. Review also attempts to explore the importance of biochemical composition of natural-fibers on the performance in subsoil reinforced conditions. The treatment methods which enhances the behavior and lifetime of fibers, are also presented. While outlining the current potential of fiber reinforcement technology, some key research gaps have been highlighted at their importance. Finally, the review briefly documents the future direction of the fiber reinforcement technology by associating bio-mediated technological line.

A State-of-the-Art Review on Soil Reinforcement Technology Using Natural Plant Fiber Materials: Past Findings, Present Trends and Future Directions

PubMed Central

Gowthaman, Sivakumar; Nakashima, Kazunori; Kawasaki, Satoru

2018-01-01

Incorporating sustainable materials into geotechnical applications increases day by day due to the consideration of impacts on healthy geo-environment and future generations. The environmental issues associated with conventional synthetic materials such as cement, plastic-composites, steel and ashes necessitate alternative approaches in geotechnical engineering. Recently, natural fiber materials in place of synthetic material have gained momentum as an emulating soil-reinforcement technique in sustainable geotechnics. However, the natural fibers are innately different from such synthetic material whereas behavior of fiber-reinforced soil is influenced not only by physical-mechanical properties but also by biochemical properties. In the present review, the applicability of natural plant fibers as oriented distributed fiber-reinforced soil (ODFS) and randomly distributed fiber-reinforced soil (RDFS) are extensively discussed and emphasized the inspiration of RDFS based on the emerging trend. Review also attempts to explore the importance of biochemical composition of natural-fibers on the performance in subsoil reinforced conditions. The treatment methods which enhances the behavior and lifetime of fibers, are also presented. While outlining the current potential of fiber reinforcement technology, some key research gaps have been highlighted at their importance. Finally, the review briefly documents the future direction of the fiber reinforcement technology by associating bio-mediated technological line. PMID:29617285

Seismic Microzonation of the City of Cali (Western Colombia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimate, C.; Romero, J.; Ojeda, A.; Garcia, J.; Alvarado, C.

2007-05-01

The city of Cali is located in the western margin of the Cauca Valley in the flat area between the Western and Central cordilleras of the Colombian Andes, at 70 km east of the Eastern Pacific Subduction Zone. Even though present seismic activity associated with nearest faults is low, historical records demonstrate that earthquakes have caused damage in the city going up to intensity VIII (EMS). Those earthquakes have had origin on diverse sources: the intermediate-depth Benioff zone, near and far continental crustal faults and the Pacific Subduction Zone. Taking into account the location of the city and the seismologic history of the region, neotectonic and seismological studies extending over a region of about 120000 km2 were required to compute seismic hazard. Construction of the geotechnical model of the city included detailed geological mapping, geophysical profiling, single station ambient vibration essays and the deployment of a 12-stations accelerographic network. Geotechnical properties of the soils were determined by mechanical perforations, CPTU (piezocone) and CPT (static penetration) essays, flat plate dilatometer (DMT) tests and down-hole essays which were complemented in the Lab by analysis of consolidation and static and cyclic three-axial essays. As a result, ten geotechnical zones were outlined and characterized. Finally, expected ground motions were calculated at 39 sites in the city using numerical modeling methods.

Geotechnical Descriptions of Rock and Rock Masses.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-04-01

determined in the field on core speci ns by the standard Rock Testing Handbook Methods . afls GA DTIC TAB thannounod 13 Justifiatlo By Distributin...to provide rock strength descriptions from the field. The point-load test has proven to be a reliable method of determining rock strength properties...report should qualify the reported spacing values by stating the methods used to determine spacing. Preferably the report should make the determination

Fiber-optic sensor applications in civil and geotechnical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habel, Wolfgang R.; Krebber, Katerina

2011-09-01

Different types of fiber-optic sensors based on glass or polymeric fibers are used to evaluate material behavior or to monitor the integrity and long-term stability of load-bearing structure components. Fiber-optic sensors have been established as a new and innovative measurement technology in very different fields, such as material science, civil engineering, light-weight structures, geotechnical areas as well as chemical and high-voltage substations. Very often, mechanical quantities such as deformation, strain or vibration are requested. However, measurement of chemical quantities in materials and structure components, such as pH value in steel reinforced concrete members also provides information about the integrity of concrete structures. A special fiber-optic chemical sensor for monitoring the alkaline state (pH value) of the cementitious matrix in steel-reinforced concrete structures with the purpose of early detection of corrosion-initiating factors is described. The paper presents the use of several fiber-optic sensor technologies in engineering. One example concerns the use of highly resolving concrete-embeddable fiber Fabry-Perot acoustic emission (AE) sensors for the assessment of the bearing behaviour of large concrete piles in existing foundations or during and after its installation. Another example concerns fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors attached to anchor steels (micro piles) to measure the strain distribution in loaded soil anchors. Polymer optical fibers (POF) can be — because of their high elasticity and high ultimate strain — well integrated into textiles to monitor their deformation behaviour. Such "intelligent" textiles are capable of monitoring displacement of soil or slopes, critical mechanical deformation in geotechnical structures (dikes, dams, and embankments) as well as in masonry structures during and after earthquakes.

Impact of pozzolanic binder addition on stabilization of polluted dredged sediments on its potential reuse as a new material resource for road construction in Basse Normandie, France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silitonga, E.

2018-02-01

Due to the increase of the amount of marine dredged sediments (MDS) and the cost of managing the disposal site is very high, a reutilization of dredged sediment is urgently needed in France. The primary goal of this research is to find a domain for reuse of MDS materials as a new material regarding the environmental issues, and other requirement needed. In this study, the MDS was used as replacement material in road construction. Hence, various tests need to be realized to identify if MDS could achieve the requirement needed in this domain. The secondary objective is to enhance the geotechnical characteristic and to reduce the pollution content of the MDS, by incorporating binders and sediments, and revealed the geotechnical characteristic. The geotechnical test result shows that the stabilization by hydraulics binders improve the geotechnical characteristic and could fulfil the requirement needed. The present of Fly Ash and Silica Fume in this study is aimed to reduce the pollution level, especially the heavy metal content. After the geotechnical study in laboratory results shows as expected then the study to identify the chemical characteristic was realized. In order to evaluate the environmental impacts, leaching test was performed. The Leaching test result shows that with 7% of Silica Fume and 10% of Fly Ash capable to fulfil the criteria needed, hence, the use of MDS is consider safe in term of geotechnical and environmental impact, as a new material in road construction

Beneficial reuse of fly ashes in geotechnical engineering with physicochemical and electron microscopic methods.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-06-01

The sedimentation behavior of fine grained soil is largely dependent on its pore fluid chemistry. Physicochemical properties of the : pore fluid, such as ionic strength and pH, could greatly influence the micro structure of kaolinite which in turn in...

Improvement of the geotechnical axial design methodology for Colorado's drilled shafts socketed in weak rocks

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-07-01

Drilled shaft foundations embedded in weak rock formations (e.g., Denver blue claystone and sandstone) support a significant portion of bridges in Colorado. Since the 1960s, empirical methods and rules of thumb have been used to design drilled shafts...

Geotechnical information database - Phase II : research project capsule.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOTD) has been collecting : geotechnical data for many years in a variety of diff erent formats. Accessing this data : and combining it with new data for the purpose of design, analysis, visualization, an...

Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 3. Design Guidance: Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering for Highways. Volume II - Design Examples

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1994-02-01

The report contains an assessment of existing port infrastructure related to United States-Mexico trade, planned infrastructure improvements, an identification of current trade and transportation flows, and an assessment of emerging trade corridors. ...

Assessing geotechnical centrifuge modelling in addressing variably saturated flow in soil and fractured rock.

PubMed

Jones, Brendon R; Brouwers, Luke B; Van Tonder, Warren D; Dippenaar, Matthys A

2017-05-01

The vadose zone typically comprises soil underlain by fractured rock. Often, surface water and groundwater parameters are readily available, but variably saturated flow through soil and rock are oversimplified or estimated as input for hydrological models. In this paper, a series of geotechnical centrifuge experiments are conducted to contribute to the knowledge gaps in: (i) variably saturated flow and dispersion in soil and (ii) variably saturated flow in discrete vertical and horizontal fractures. Findings from the research show that the hydraulic gradient, and not the hydraulic conductivity, is scaled for seepage flow in the geotechnical centrifuge. Furthermore, geotechnical centrifuge modelling has been proven as a viable experimental tool for the modelling of hydrodynamic dispersion as well as the replication of similar flow mechanisms for unsaturated fracture flow, as previously observed in literature. Despite the imminent challenges of modelling variable saturation in the vadose zone, the geotechnical centrifuge offers a powerful experimental tool to physically model and observe variably saturated flow. This can be used to give valuable insight into mechanisms associated with solid-fluid interaction problems under these conditions. Findings from future research can be used to validate current numerical modelling techniques and address the subsequent influence on aquifer recharge and vulnerability, contaminant transport, waste disposal, dam construction, slope stability and seepage into subsurface excavations.

In-Tank Processing (ITP) Geotechnical Summary Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cumbest, R.J.

A geotechnical investigation has been completed for the In Tank Processing Facility (ITP) which consists of buildings 241-96H and 241-32H; and Tanks 241-948H, 241-949H, 241-950H, and 241-951H. The investigation consisted of a literature search for relevant technical data, field explorations, field and laboratory testing, and analyses. This document presents a summary of the scope and results to date of the investigations and engineering analyses for these facilities. A final geotechnical report, which will include a more detailed discussion and all associated boring logs, laboratory test results, and analyses will be issued in October 1994.The purpose of the investigation is tomore » obtain geotechnical information to evaluate the seismic performance of the foundation materials and embankme nts under and around the ITP. The geotechnical engineering objectives of the investigation are to: 1) define the subsurface stratigraphy, 2) obtain representative engineering properties of the subsurface materials, 3) assess the competence of the subsurface materials under static and dynamic loads, 4) derive properties for seismic soil-structure interaction analysis, 5) evaluate the areal and vertical extent of horizons that might cause dynamic settlement or instability, and 6) determine settlement at the foundation level of the tanks.« less

Application of Magnetic and Geotechnical Methods for Archaeological Site Investigations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-01

national historic preservation act NRM natural remnant magnetism NS north-south nT nano Tesla ID inside diameter OSB oriented strand board psi...3.4 Soil Box Experiments Compaction tests were conducted by loading soil into a wooden box (1 m3) constructed of oriented strand board ( OSB ) and

Geotechnical Engineering in US Elementary Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Suescun-Florez, Eduardo; Iskander, Magued; Kapila, Vikram; Cain, Ryan

2013-01-01

This paper reports on the results of several geotechnical engineering-related science activities conducted with elementary-school students. Activities presented include soil permeability, contact stress, soil stratigraphy, shallow and deep foundations, and erosion in rivers. The permeability activity employed the LEGO NXT platform for data…

40 CFR 265.90 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... from the facility via the uppermost aquifer to water supply wells (domestic, industrial, or.... This demonstration must be certified by a qualified geologist or geotechnical engineer and must... geologist or geotechnical engineer, which satisfies the requirements of § 265.93(d)(3), for an alternate...

40 CFR 265.90 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... from the facility via the uppermost aquifer to water supply wells (domestic, industrial, or.... This demonstration must be certified by a qualified geologist or geotechnical engineer and must... geologist or geotechnical engineer, which satisfies the requirements of § 265.93(d)(3), for an alternate...

Implementation and transition of data interchange for geotechnical and geoenvironmental specialists (DIGGS v2.0).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

Data Interchange for Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (DIGGS) is an XML-based system : developed under a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) State Pooled Funding Study led by the : Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) from 2005 to ...

Progress in Geotechnical Dynamic Centrifuge Modeling.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

Engineer, 1932. 4. Pokrovsky, G.I., Centrifugal Model Testing, ONII Publishing House, 1935. 5. Arulanandan, K., Canclini , J., and Anandarajah, A...Philosophy. 21. Arulananaan, K., Canclini , J., and Anandarajah, A., "Simulation of Earthquate Motions in the Centrituge,"ASCE J. of the Geotechnical

Evaluation of non-destructive density determination for QA/QC acceptance testing : research project capsule.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

LTRCs Geotechnical and Asphalt groups will be conducting two separate field and laboratory evaluations. The Geotechnical group will evaluate field densities of soil layers and the asphalt group will evaluate field densities on asphalt pavement lay...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rockaway, J.D.; Stephenson, R.W.

The study described was accomplished through an investigation of both the intact and insitu geotechnical properties of the subcoal strata and through the installation of floor movement monitoring instrumentation. The method of bearing capacity analysis developed by A.S. Vesic was used to define pillar stability. This method includes provisions for taking into consideration a two-layer system such as assumed for mine conditions where a weak underclay overlies firmer strata. 4 refs.

10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... reported to the Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Performance Confirmation Program § 60.141 Confirmation of geotechnical and... needed in design to accommodate actual field conditions encountered. (b) Subsurface conditions shall be...

10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... reported to the Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Performance Confirmation Program § 60.141 Confirmation of geotechnical and... needed in design to accommodate actual field conditions encountered. (b) Subsurface conditions shall be...

10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... reported to the Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground... IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES Performance Confirmation Program § 60.141 Confirmation of geotechnical and... needed in design to accommodate actual field conditions encountered. (b) Subsurface conditions shall be...

On the geotechnical characterisation of the polluted submarine sediments from Taranto.

PubMed

Vitone, Claudia; Federico, Antonio; Puzrin, Alexander M; Ploetze, Michael; Carrassi, Elettra; Todaro, Francesco

2016-07-01

This paper reports the results of the first geomechanical laboratory experiments carried out on the polluted submarine clayey sediments of the Mar Piccolo in Taranto (South of Italy). The study had to face with extreme difficulties for the very soft consistency of the sediments and the contaminants. The mineralogy, composition and physical properties of the sediments were analysed, along with their compression and shearing behaviour. The investigation involved sediments up to about 20 m below the seafloor, along three vertical profiles in the most polluted area of the Mar Piccolo, facing the Italian Navy Arsenal. The experimental results were used to derive a preliminary geotechnical model of the site, necessary for the selection and design of the most sustainable in situ mitigation solutions. Moreover, the experimental data reveal that the clayey sediments of the most polluted top layer do not follow the classical geotechnical correlations for normally consolidated deposits. This seems to open interesting perspectives about the effects of pollutants on the geotechnical behaviour of the investigated sediments.

Energy geotechnics: Advances in subsurface energy recovery, storage, exchange, and waste management

DOE PAGES

McCartney, John S.; Sanchez, Marcelo; Tomac, Ingrid

2016-02-17

Energy geotechnics involves the use of geotechnical principles to understand and engineer the coupled thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes encountered in collecting, exchanging, storing, and protecting energy resources in the subsurface. In addition to research on these fundamental coupled processes and characterization of relevant material properties, applied research is being performed to develop analytical tools for the design and analysis of different geo-energy applications. In conclusion, the aims of this paper are to discuss the fundamental physics and constitutive models that are common to these different applications, and to summarize recent advances in the development of relevant analytical tools.

Energy geotechnics: Advances in subsurface energy recovery, storage, exchange, and waste management

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCartney, John S.; Sanchez, Marcelo; Tomac, Ingrid

Energy geotechnics involves the use of geotechnical principles to understand and engineer the coupled thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes encountered in collecting, exchanging, storing, and protecting energy resources in the subsurface. In addition to research on these fundamental coupled processes and characterization of relevant material properties, applied research is being performed to develop analytical tools for the design and analysis of different geo-energy applications. In conclusion, the aims of this paper are to discuss the fundamental physics and constitutive models that are common to these different applications, and to summarize recent advances in the development of relevant analytical tools.

Statewide Geotechnical Asset Management Program Development : Final Report for Rock Slopes, Unstable Soil Slopes and Embankments, Retaining Walls, and Material Sites

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-09-05

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF) has developed the nations first Geotechnical Asset Management Program. The program encompasses rock slopes, unstable slopes and embankments, retaining walls, and material sou...

Sustainable Development and Energy Geotechnology Potential Roles for Geotechnical Engineering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

FragaszyProgram Dire, Dr. R. J.; Santamarina, Carlos; Espinoza, N.

2011-01-01

The world is facing unprecedented challenges related to energy resources, global climate change, material use, and waste generation. Failure to address these challenges will inhibit the growth of the developing world and will negatively impact the standard of living and security of future generations in all nations. The solutions to these challenges will require multidisciplinary research across the social and physical sciences and engineering. Although perhaps not always recognized, geotechnical engineering expertise is critical to the solution of many energy and sustainability-related problems. Hence, geotechnical engineers and academicians have opportunity and responsibility to contribute to the solution of these worldwidemore » problems. Research will need to be extended to non-standard issues such as thermal properties of soils; sediment and rock response to extreme conditions and at very long time scales; coupled hydro-chemo-thermo-bio-mechanical processes; positive feedback systems; the development of discontinuities; biological modification of soil properties; spatial variability; and emergent phenomena. Clearly, the challenges facing geotechnical engineering in the future will require a much broader knowledge base than our traditional educational programs provide. The geotechnical engineering curricula, from undergraduate education through continuing professional education, must address the changing needs of a profession that will increasingly be engaged in alternative/renewable energy production; energy efficiency; sustainable design, enhanced and more efficient use of natural resources, waste management, and underground utilization.« less

Characterization of a Louisiana Bay Bottom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freeman, A. M.; Roberts, H. H.

2016-02-01

This study correlates side-scan sonar and CHIRP water bottom-subbottom acoustic amplitudes with cone penetrometer data to expand the limited understanding of the geotechnical properties of sediments in coastal Louisiana's bays. Standardized analysis procedures were developed to characterize the bay bottom and shallow subsurface of the Sister Lake bay bottom. The CHIRP subbottom acoustic data provide relative amplitude information regarding reflection horizons of the bay bottom and shallow subsurface. An amplitude analysis technique was designed to identify different reflectance regions within the lake from the CHIRP subbottom profile data. This amplitude reflectivity analysis technique provides insight into the relative hardness of the bay bottom and shallow subsurface, useful in identifying areas of erosion versus deposition from storms, as well as areas suitable for cultch plants for state oyster seed grounds, or perhaps other restoration projects. Side-scan and CHIRP amplitude reflectivity results are compared to penetrometer data that quantifies geotechnical properties of surface and near-surface sediments. Initial results indicate distinct penetrometer signatures that characterize different substrate areas including soft bottom, storm-deposited silt-rich sediments, oyster cultch, and natural oyster reef areas. Although amplitude analysis of high resolution acoustic data does not directly quantify the geotechnical properties of bottom sediments, our analysis indicates a close relationship. The analysis procedures developed in this study can be applied in other dynamic coastal environments, "calibrating" the use of synoptic acoustic methods for large-scale water bottom characterization.

Comparison of basic laboratory test results with more sophisticated laboratory and in-situ tests methods on soils in southeastern Wisconsin : final report, March 21, 2009.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-03-21

This study investigates all of the generated soils data in an attempt to use the more 'routine' laboratory tests to determine geotechnical design parameters (such as phiangle, cohesion, wet unit weight, unconfined compression, consolidation character...

Methodology of Dynamic Monitoring of Structures in the Vicinity of Hydrotechnical Works - Selected Case Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wyjadłowski, Marek

2017-12-01

The constant development of geotechnical technologies imposes the necessity of monitoring techniques to provide a proper quality and the safe execution of geotechnical works. Several monitoring methods enable the preliminary design of work process and current control of hydrotechnical works (pile driving, sheet piling, ground improvement methods). Wave parameter measurements and/or continuous histogram recording of shocks and vibrations and its dynamic impact on engineering structures in the close vicinity of the building site enable the modification of the technology parameters, such as vibrator frequency or hammer drop height. Many examples of practical applications have already been published and provide a basis for the formulation of guidelines, for work on the following sites. In the current work the author's experience gained during sheet piling works for the reconstruction of City Channel in Wrocław (Poland) was presented. The examples chosen describe ways of proceedings in the case of new and old residential buildings where the concrete or masonry walls were exposed to vibrations and in the case of the hydrotechnical structures (sluices, bridges).

Determination and prioritization of MoDOT geotechnical related problems with emphasis on effectiveness of design for bridge approach slabs and pavement edge drains

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

Surveys, interviews and site visits were used to identify, observe and document geotechnical-related problems in Missouri DOT infrastructure. Documented issues were evaluated and prioritized. Additional attention was focused on Pavement Edge Drains a...

Environments for Fostering Effective Critical Thinking in Geotechnical Engineering Education (Geo-EFFECTs)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pierce, Charles E.; Gassman, Sarah L.; Huffman, Jeffrey T.

2013-01-01

This paper describes the development, implementation, and assessment of instructional materials for geotechnical engineering concepts using the Environments for Fostering Effective Critical Thinking (EFFECTs) pedagogical framework. The central learning goals of engineering EFFECTs are to (i) improve the understanding and retention of a specific…

The Legacy of the 1948 Underseepage and Crevasse Maps, Lower Mississippi River Levees

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-01

Julie R. Kelley Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg, MS 39180...and Julie R. Kelley Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg

Incorporating the site variability and laboratory/in-situ testing variability of soil properties in geotechnical engineering design : research project capsule : technology transfer program.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

While structural engineering deals with mostly homogeneous manmade materials : (e.g., concrete and steel), geotechnical engineering typically involves highly varied : natural materials (e.g., soil and rock). As a result, high variance of the resistan...

Soil variability in engineering applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vessia, Giovanna

2014-05-01

Natural geomaterials, as soils and rocks, show spatial variability and heterogeneity of physical and mechanical properties. They can be measured by in field and laboratory testing. The heterogeneity concerns different values of litho-technical parameters pertaining similar lithological units placed close to each other. On the contrary, the variability is inherent to the formation and evolution processes experienced by each geological units (homogeneous geomaterials on average) and captured as a spatial structure of fluctuation of physical property values about their mean trend, e.g. the unit weight, the hydraulic permeability, the friction angle, the cohesion, among others. The preceding spatial variations shall be managed by engineering models to accomplish reliable designing of structures and infrastructures. Materon (1962) introduced the Geostatistics as the most comprehensive tool to manage spatial correlation of parameter measures used in a wide range of earth science applications. In the field of the engineering geology, Vanmarcke (1977) developed the first pioneering attempts to describe and manage the inherent variability in geomaterials although Terzaghi (1943) already highlighted that spatial fluctuations of physical and mechanical parameters used in geotechnical designing cannot be neglected. A few years later, Mandelbrot (1983) and Turcotte (1986) interpreted the internal arrangement of geomaterial according to Fractal Theory. In the same years, Vanmarcke (1983) proposed the Random Field Theory providing mathematical tools to deal with inherent variability of each geological units or stratigraphic succession that can be resembled as one material. In this approach, measurement fluctuations of physical parameters are interpreted through the spatial variability structure consisting in the correlation function and the scale of fluctuation. Fenton and Griffiths (1992) combined random field simulation with the finite element method to produce the Random Finite Element Method (RFEM). This method has been used to investigate the random behavior of soils in the context of a variety of classical geotechnical problems. Afterward, some following studies collected the worldwide variability values of many technical parameters of soils (Phoon and Kulhawy 1999a) and their spatial correlation functions (Phoon and Kulhawy 1999b). In Italy, Cherubini et al. (2007) calculated the spatial variability structure of sandy and clayey soils from the standard cone penetration test readings. The large extent of the worldwide measured spatial variability of soils and rocks heavily affects the reliability of geotechnical designing as well as other uncertainties introduced by testing devices and engineering models. So far, several methods have been provided to deal with the preceding sources of uncertainties in engineering designing models (e.g. First Order Reliability Method, Second Order Reliability Method, Response Surface Method, High Dimensional Model Representation, etc.). Nowadays, the efforts in this field have been focusing on (1) measuring spatial variability of different rocks and soils and (2) developing numerical models that take into account the spatial variability as additional physical variable. References Cherubini C., Vessia G. and Pula W. 2007. Statistical soil characterization of Italian sites for reliability analyses. Proc. 2nd Int. Workshop. on Characterization and Engineering Properties of Natural Soils, 3-4: 2681-2706. Griffiths D.V. and Fenton G.A. 1993. Seepage beneath water retaining structures founded on spatially random soil, Géotechnique, 43(6): 577-587. Mandelbrot B.B. 1983. The Fractal Geometry of Nature. San Francisco: W H Freeman. Matheron G. 1962. Traité de Géostatistique appliquée. Tome 1, Editions Technip, Paris, 334 p. Phoon K.K. and Kulhawy F.H. 1999a. Characterization of geotechnical variability. Can Geotech J, 36(4): 612-624. Phoon K.K. and Kulhawy F.H. 1999b. Evaluation of geotechnical property variability. Can Geotech J, 36(4): 625-639. Terzaghi K. 1943. Theoretical Soil Mechanics. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Turcotte D.L. 1986. Fractals and fragmentation. J Geophys Res, 91: 1921-1926. Vanmarcke E.H. 1977. Probabilistic modeling of soil profiles. J Geotech Eng Div, ASCE, 103: 1227-1246. Vanmarcke E.H. 1983. Random fields: analysis and synthesis. MIT Press, Cambridge.

Rockfall risk evaluation using geotechnical survey, remote sensing data, and GIS: a case study from western Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolakopoulos, Konstantinos; Depountis, Nikolaos; Vagenas, Nikolaos; Kavoura, Katerina; Vlaxaki, Eleni; Kelasidis, George; Sabatakakis, Nikolaos

2015-06-01

In this paper a specific example of the synergistic use of geotechnical survey, remote sensing data and GIS for rockfall risk evaluation is presented. The study area is located in Western Greece. Extensive rockfalls have been recorded along Patras - Ioannina highway just after the cable-stayed bridge of Rio-Antirrio, at Klokova site. The rockfalls include medium- sized limestone boulders with volume up to 1.5m3. A detailed engineering geological survey was conducted including rockmass characterization, laboratory testing and geological - geotechnical mapping. Many Rockfall trajectory simulations were done. Rockfall risk along the road was estimated using spatial analysis in a GIS environment.

Organic matter and the geotechnical properties of submarine sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keller, George H.

1982-09-01

Continental slope deposits off Peru and Oregon where coastal upwelling is a pronounced oceanographic process possess significant concentrations of organic carbon. Geotechnical properties are altered to varying degrees by the organic matter. Organic matter absorbs water and causes clay-size particles to aggregate forming an open fabric. This causes unusually high water contents and plasticity and exceptionally low wet bulk densities. Some of these deposits show notable increases in shear strength, sensitivity and degree of apparent overconsolidation. Owing to the unique geotechnical properties, sediment stability characteristics are considered to be poor in situations of excess pore pressures. Failure appears to take the form of a fluidized flow somewhat similar to the quick clays of Scandinavia.

Geotechnical risk analysis by flat dilatometer (DMT)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amoroso, Sara; Monaco, Paola

2015-04-01

In the last decades we have assisted at a massive migration from laboratory testing to in situ testing, to the point that, today, in situ testing is often the major part of a geotechnical investigation. The State of the Art indicates that direct-push in situ tests, such as the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and the Flat Dilatometer Test (DMT), are fast and convenient in situ tests for routine site investigation. In most cases the DMT estimated parameters, in particular the undrained shear strength su and the constrained modulus M, are used with the common design methods of Geotechnical Engineering for evaluating bearing capacity, settlements etc. The paper focuses on the prediction of settlements of shallow foundations, that is probably the No. 1 application of the DMT, especially in sands, where undisturbed samples cannot be retrieved, and on the risk associated with their design. A compilation of documented case histories that compare DMT-predicted vs observed settlements, was collected by Monaco et al. (2006), indicating that, in general, the constrained modulus M can be considered a reasonable "operative modulus" (relevant to foundations in "working conditions") for settlement predictions based on the traditional linear elastic approach. Indeed, the use of a site investigation method, such as DMT, that improve the accuracy of design parameters, reduces risk, and the design can then center on the site's true soil variability without parasitic test variability. In this respect, Failmezger et al. (1999, 2015) suggested to introduce Beta probability distribution, that provides a realistic and useful description of variability for geotechnical design problems. The paper estimates Beta probability distribution in research sites where DMT tests and observed settlements are available. References Failmezger, R.A., Rom, D., Ziegler, S.R. (1999). "SPT? A better approach of characterizing residual soils using other in-situ tests", Behavioral Characterics of Residual Soils, B. Edelen, Ed., ASCE, Reston, VA, pp. 158-175. Failmezger, R.A., Till, P., Frizzell, J., Kight, S. (2015). "Redesign of shallow foundations using dilatometer tests-more case studies after DMT'06 conference", Proc. 2nd International Conference on the Flat Dilatometer, June 14-16 (paper accepted). Monaco, P., Totani, G., Calabrese, M. (2006). "DMT-predicted vs observed settlements: a review of the available experience". In "Flat Dilatometer Testing", Proc. 2nd International Conference on the Flat Dilatometer, Washington, D.C., USA, April 2-5, 244-252. R.A. Failmezger and J.B. Anderson (eds).

Project-Based Learning in Geotechnics: Cooperative versus Collaborative Teamwork

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinho-Lopes, Margarida; Macedo, Joaquim

2016-01-01

Since 2007/2008 project-based learning models have been used to deliver two fundamental courses on Geotechnics in University of Aveiro, Portugal. These models have evolved and have encompassed either cooperative or collaborative teamwork. Using data collected in five editions of each course (Soil Mechanics I and Soil Mechanics II), the different…

Incorporating Learning Outcomes into an Introductory Geotechnical Engineering Course

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fiegel, Gregg L.

2013-01-01

The article describes the process of incorporating a set of learning outcomes into a geotechnical engineering course. The outcomes were developed using Bloom's taxonomy and define the knowledge, skills, and abilities the students are expected to achieve upon completion of the course. Each outcome begins with an action-oriented verb corresponding…

Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 3: Design Guidance. Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering for Highways. Volume I - Design Principles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-01-01

In order to obtain regional perspective on the major problems and issues to be addressed, a series of nine regional round tables were convened across the nation. One of these was held in Norfolk, VA, on June 11, 1993. The primary focus of this meetin...

National geotechnical centrifuge

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallam, J. A.; Kunz, N.; Vallotton, W. C.

1982-01-01

A high G-ton centrifuge, able to take a 2700 kg (6000 lb) payload up to 300 G, is described. The stability of dams and embankments, the bearing capacity of soil foundations, and the dynamic behavior of foundations due to vibration of machinery are examples of applications. A power rating of 6,000 kW (9,000 hp) was established for the motor. An acceptable maximum speed of 70 rpm was determined. A speed increase with a ratio of 1:3 is discussed. The isolated tension straps, the anti-spreader bar and the flexwall bucket, and safety precautions are also discussed.

Geotechnical zoning of urban foundations: Avilés case study (N Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

María Díaz-Díaz, Luis; Arias, Daniel; López-Fernández, Carlos; Pando, Luis

2014-05-01

The purpose of this paper is to carry out a geotechnical evaluation of the underground within an urban setting in relation to types of foundations, and particularly at expansion zones. The ultimate aim is to produce a foundation zonation map at the scale 1:10,000. Furthermore, a general methodology that way be extrapolated to other cities is proposed. This work focused on the city of Aviles like a case study; a medium-sized city which has significant industrial and port areas and singular equipment in its surroundings. This city is located in the Spanish north coast and spread out on both flanks of the Avilés stuary. This means that there are an important development of recent deposits that implies different geotechnical units with a highly variable behavior, generally poor. In contrast, the bedrock is more homogenous, formed by Permo-Triassic red clay and marl. Locally there are also outcrops of carbonates and conglomeratic Jurassic levels. Also, on the whole area is important to note the presence of heterogeneous anthropic deposits along the whole area as a consequence, mainly, of an intense industrial activity. Permo-Triassic clayey and marly materials imply special engineering issues in foundations as a consequence of their composition (likely weathering, presence of gypsum, low bearing capacity). Moreover, recent deposits (marine and alluvial origin) show different geotechnical behaviors depending on their geometry and grain size. Hence, many areas of the city are especially problematic when designing and implementing foundations. The methodology followed in this study consisted in elaborating a geological-geotechnical exhaustive survey of the urban underground on a scale of 1/10.000. Based on this, a multi criteria analysis of the identified geotechnical units was carried out taking into consideration all the lithological, geomorphological, hidrogeological and geotechnical aspects. Taken into account all of these criteria, a number of areas are defined based on their foundation conditions: i) good ground conditions (rocks: UCS > 25 MPa); ii) acceptable ground conditions (rocks: UCS 5-25 MPa); iii) bad ground conditions (soils and rocks: UCS < 5 MPa and sulfate rich soils) and iv) problematic ground conditions (special geological hazards). A foundation zonation map is a basic document for adequate land-use planning for instrastructures and edification, being useful to society, industrial and public sectors.

Certification Tests on Cold Patch Asphalt Repair Materials for Use in Airfield Pavements

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

in Airfield Pavements Mariely Mejías-Santiago, Franciso del Valle Roldán, and Lucy P. Priddy Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory U.S. Army...28 Figure 19. Pavement structure in the test section...ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), Vicksburg, MS. The findings and recommendations presented in this report are based upon laboratory

Geotechnical, geological, and selected radionuclide retention characteristics of the radioactive waste disposal site near the Farallon Islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Booth, J.S.; Winters, W.J.; Poppe, L.J.; Neiheisel, J.; Dyer, R.S.

1989-01-01

A geotechnical and geological investigation of the Farallon Islands low-level radioactive waste (LLW) disposal area was conducted to qualitatively assess the host sediments' relative effectiveness as a barrier to radionuclide migration, to estimate the portion of the barrier that is in contact with the waste packages at the three primary disposal sites, and to provide a basic physical description of the sediments. Box cores recovered from within the general disposal area at depths of 500, 1000, and 1500 m were subcored to provide samples (~30 cm in length) for detailed descriptions, textural and mineralogical analyses, and a suite of geotechnical tests (index property, CRS consolidation, and CIU triaxial compression). -from Authors

Baseline practices and user needs for Web dissemination of geotechnical data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Turner, L.L.; Brown, M.P.; Chambers, D.; Davis, C.A.; Diehl, J.; Hitchcock, C.S.; Holzer, T.L.; Nigbor, R.L.; Plumb, C.; Real, C.; Reimer, M.; Steidl, J.H.; Sun, J.I.; Tinsley, J.C.; Vaughn, D.; ,

2004-01-01

This paper presents the findings and recommendations of the User Scenario Work Group (USWG) in identifying a baseline of current practices within the geo-professional community and prioritizing desired functional requirements in the development of a comprehensive geotechnical information management system. This work was conducted as an initial phase of a larger project to demonstrate the effectiveness of a web based virtual data center for the dissemination of geotechnical data from multiple linked databases of various government and private sector organizations. An online survey was administered over the course of several months to practitioners across the nation. The results from the survey were compiled and examined to provide direction to the other project teams in the development of user-driven prototype data system.

An overview of the geotechnical damage brought by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, Japan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hemanta Hazarika,; Takaji Kokusho,; Kayen, Robert E.; Dashti, Shideh; Yutaka Tanoue,; Shuuichi Kuroda and Kentaro Kuribayashi,; Daisuke Matsumoto,; Furuichi, Hideo

2016-01-01

The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.0 (Japanese intensity = 7) that struck on April 16 brought devastation in many areas of Kumamoto Prefecture and partly in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu Region, Japan. The earthquake succeeds a foreshock of magnitude 6.5 (Japanese intensity = 7) on April 14. The authors conducted two surveys on the devastated areas: one during April 16-17, and the other during May 11-14. This report summarizes the damage brought to geotechnical structures by the two consecutive earthquakes within a span of twenty-eight hours. This report highlights some of the observed damage and identifies reasons for such damage. The geotechnical challenges towards mitigation of losses from such earthquakes are also suggested.

Interrelationships among geotechnical and leaching properties of a cement-stabilized contaminated soil.

PubMed

Kogbara, Reginald B

2017-01-28

Relationships among selected performance properties have been established using experimental data from a cement-stabilized mixed contaminated soil. The sandy soil was spiked with 3,000 mg/kg each of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn, and 10,000 mg/kg of diesel. It was then treated with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% dosages of Portland cement. Different water contents were considered for lower dosage mixes. Selected geotechnical and leaching properties were determined on 28-day old samples. These include unconfined compressive strength (UCS), bulk density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, leachate pH and granular leachability of contaminants. Interrelationships among these properties were deduced using the most reasonable best fits determined by specialized curve fitting software. Strong quadratic and log-linear relationships exist between hydraulic conductivity and UCS, with increasing binder and water contents, respectively. However, the strength of interrelationships between hydraulic conductivity and porosity, UCS and porosity, and UCS and bulk density varies with binder and water contents. Leachate pH and granular leachability of contaminants are best related to UCS and hydraulic conductivity by a power law and an exponential function, respectively. These results suggest how the accuracy of not-easily-measurable performance properties may be constrained from simpler ones. Comparisons with some published performance properties data support this.

Analysis by the Residual Method for Estimate Market Value of Land on the Areas with Mining Exploitation in Subsoil under Future New Building

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gwozdz-Lason, Monika

2017-12-01

This paper attempts to answer some of the following questions: what is the main selling advantage of a plot of land on the areas with mining exploitation? which attributes influence on market value the most? and how calculate the mining influence in subsoil under future new building as market value of plot with commercial use? This focus is not accidental, as the paper sets out to prove that the subsoil load bearing capacity, as directly inferred from the local geotechnical properties with mining exploitation, considerably influences the market value of this type of real estate. Presented in this elaborate analysis and calculations, are part of the ongoing development works which aimed at suggesting a new technology and procedures for estimating the value of the land belonging to the third category geotechnical. Analysed the question was examined both in terms of the theoretical and empirical. On the basis of the analysed code calculations in residual method, numerical, statistical and econometric defined results and final conclusions. A market analysis yielded a group of subsoil stabilization costs which depend on the mining operations interaction, subsoil parameters, type of the contemplated structure, its foundations, selected stabilization method, its overall area and shape.

Investigation to determine the vulnerability of reclaimed land to building collapse using near surface geophysical method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adewoyin, O. O.; Joshua, E. O.; Akinyemi, M. L.; Omeje, M.; Joel, E. S.

2017-05-01

Adequate knowledge of the geology and the structures of the subsurface would assist engineers in the best way to carry out constructions to avoid building collapse. In this study, near surface seismic refraction method was used to determine the geotechnical parameters of the subsurface, the results obtained were correlated with the result of borehole data drilled in the study area. The results of seismic refraction method delineated mostly two distinct layers with the first layer having the lower geotechnical parameters. It was observed that in the first layer, the Young’s modulus ranged from 0.168 to 0.458 GPa, shear modulus ranged between 0.068 and 0.185 GPa, the bulk modulus ranged between 0.106 and 0.287 GPa while the bearing capacity ranged from 0.083 to 0.139 MPa. On the other hand, in the second layer, the Young’s modulus ranged between 3.717 and 7.018 GPa, shear modulus ranged from 1.500 to 2.830 GPa while the bulk modulus ranged from 2.383 to 4.449 GPa. Significantly, the formation of the second layer appeared to be more competent than the first layer, therefore engineering construction in this geological setting is recommended to be founded on the second layer at depth ranging between 7 and 16 m.

Deformation analysis and prediction of bank protection structure with river level fluctuations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Rui; Xing, Yixuan

2017-04-01

Bank structure is an important barrier to maintain the safety of the embankment. The deformation of bank protection structure is not only affected by soil pressure caused by the excavation of the riverway, but also by the water pressure caused river water level fluctuations. Thus, it is necessary to establish a coupled soil-water model to analyze the deformation of bank structure. Based on Druck-Prager failure criteria and groundwater seepage theory, a numerical model of bank protection structure with consideration of the pore water pressure of soil mass is established. According to the measured river level data with seasonal fluctuating, numerical analysis of the deformation of bank protection structure is implemented. The simulation results show that the river water level fluctuation has clear influence on the maximum lateral displacement of the pile. Meanwhile, the distribution of plastic zone is related to the depth of groundwater level. Finally, according to the river water level data of the recent ten years, we analyze the deformation of the bank structure under extreme river level. The result shows that, compared with the scenario of extreme high river level, the horizontal displacement of bank protection structure is larger (up to 65mm) under extreme low river level, which is a potential risk to the embankment. Reference Schweiger H F. On the use of drucker-prager failure criteria for earth pressure problems[J]. Computers and Geotechnics, 1994, 16(3): 223-246. DING Yong-chun，CHENG Ze-kun. Numerical study on performance of waterfront excavation[J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering，2013，35(2):515-521. Wu L M, Wang Z Q. Three gorges reservoir water level fluctuation influents on the stability of the slope[J]. Advanced Materials Research. Trans Tech Publications, 2013, 739: 283-286.

In-situ Geotechnical Investigation of Arctic Nearshore Zone Sediments, Herschel Island, Yukon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stark, N.; Quinn, B.; Radosavljevic, B.; Lantuit, H.

2016-02-01

The Arctic is currently undergoing rapid changes with regard to ice coverage, permafrost retreat and coastal erosion. In addition to hydrodynamic processes, the sediments in the Arctic nearshore zone are affected by potential variations in freeze-thaw cycles, as well as an increase of abundant suspended sediment introduced by active retrogressive thaw slumps and increased river discharge. During the YUKON14 expedition to Herschel Island, Yukon, in-situ geotechnical testing of nearshore zone sediments was conducted using a portable free fall penetrometer. The research goals were mapping of sediment types, identification of surficial sediment stratification related to recent sediment remobilization or deposition processes, and the investigation of the soil mechanical characteristics of the uppermost seabed surface in the nearshore zone. Approximately 200 sites were tested using the portable free fall penetrometer, and five different geotechnical signatures identified and grouped. Most locations were characterized by a soft sediment top layer that exhibited a noticeably lower sediment strength than the underlying sediment. The results were correlated to existing sediment grain size records and a sediment type interpretation based on side scan sonar backscatter information. Strong spatial variations in sediment type and stiffness were observed, as well as in abundance and thickness of a top layer of very soft and loose sediment. It was attempted to relate the geotechnical signature to site-specific hydrodynamic energy, morphology, and vicinity to thaw slumps. The results will contribute to a detailed investigation of Arctic coastal erosion in the region, and the investigation of the role of geotechnical parameters for Arctic coastal erosion.

Laboratory and Field Investigations of Small Crater Repair Technologies

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

caps over debris backfill or specially placed or compacted backfill, structural systems to bridge craters, foamed crater backfills, and structural ...Jeb S. Tingle, and Timothy J. McCaffrey Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center 3909 Halls Ferry...Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL), Vicksburg, MS. The findings and recommendations presented

Geotechnical and Geoacoustic Investigation of Seafloor Sediments on Boston Harbor Approaches

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-25

Geoacoustic Investigation of Seafloor Sediments on Boston Harbor Approaches Andrei Abelev Marine Physics Branch Marine Geosciences Division Peter...LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT Geotechnical and Geoacoustic Investigation of Seafloor Sediments on Boston Harbor Approaches Andrei Abelev, Peter Herdic...sampling and analysis series for classification and characterization of the surficial seafloor sediment in the Boston Harbor approaches . 25-01-2017

Compendium of Abstracts on Statistical Applications in Geotechnical Engineering.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

research in the application of probabilistic and statistical methods to soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology problems have grown markedly...probability, statistics, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology. 2. The purpose of this report is to make available to the U. S...Deformation Dynamic Response Analysis Seepage, Soil Permeability and Piping Earthquake Engineering, Seismology, Settlement and Heave Seismic Risk Analysis

A Comparison of Traditional, Step-Path, and Geostatistical Techniques in the Stability Analysis of a Large Open Pit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, J. M.; Stead, D.

2017-04-01

With the increased drive towards deeper and more complex mine designs, geotechnical engineers are often forced to reconsider traditional deterministic design techniques in favour of probabilistic methods. These alternative techniques allow for the direct quantification of uncertainties within a risk and/or decision analysis framework. However, conventional probabilistic practices typically discretize geological materials into discrete, homogeneous domains, with attributes defined by spatially constant random variables, despite the fact that geological media display inherent heterogeneous spatial characteristics. This research directly simulates this phenomenon using a geostatistical approach, known as sequential Gaussian simulation. The method utilizes the variogram which imposes a degree of controlled spatial heterogeneity on the system. Simulations are constrained using data from the Ok Tedi mine site in Papua New Guinea and designed to randomly vary the geological strength index and uniaxial compressive strength using Monte Carlo techniques. Results suggest that conventional probabilistic techniques have a fundamental limitation compared to geostatistical approaches, as they fail to account for the spatial dependencies inherent to geotechnical datasets. This can result in erroneous model predictions, which are overly conservative when compared to the geostatistical results.

Kalman Filters in Geotechnical Monitoring of Ground Subsidence Using Data from MEMS Sensors

PubMed Central

Li, Cheng; Azzam, Rafig; Fernández-Steeger, Tomás M.

2016-01-01

The fast development of wireless sensor networks and MEMS make it possible to set up today real-time wireless geotechnical monitoring. To handle interferences and noises from the output data, Kalman filter can be selected as a method to achieve a more realistic estimate of the observations. In this paper, a one-day wireless measurement using accelerometers and inclinometers was deployed on top of a tunnel section under construction in order to monitor ground subsidence. The normal vectors of the sensors were firstly obtained with the help of rotation matrices, and then be projected to the plane of longitudinal section, by which the dip angles over time would be obtained via a trigonometric function. Finally, a centralized Kalman filter was applied to estimate the tilt angles of the sensor nodes based on the data from the embedded accelerometer and the inclinometer. Comparing the results from two sensor nodes deployed away and on the track respectively, the passing of the tunnel boring machine can be identified from unusual performances. Using this method, the ground settlement due to excavation can be measured and a real-time monitoring of ground subsidence can be realized. PMID:27447630

Geotechnical properties of sediments from North Pacific and Northern Bermuda Rise

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silva, A J; Laine, E P; Lipkin, J

1980-01-01

Studies of geotechnical properties for the Sub-seabed Disposal Program have been oriented toward sediment characterization related to effectiveness as a containment media and determination of detailed engineering behavior. Consolidation tests of the deeper samples in the North Pacific clays indicate that the sediment column is normally consolidated. The in-situ coefficient of permeability (k) within the cored depth of 25 meters is relatively constant at 10/sup -7/ cm/sec. Consolidated undrained (CIU) triaxial tests indicate stress-strain properties characteristic of saturated clays with effective angles of friction of 35/sup 0/ for smectite and 31/sup 0/ for illite. These results are being used inmore » computer modeling efforts. Some general geotechnical property data from the Bermuda Rise are also discussed.« less

Constraints on Pore Pressure in Subduction Zones From Geotechnical Tests and Physical Properties Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saffer, D. M.; McKiernan, A. W.

2005-12-01

At subduction zones, as incoming sediments are either offscraped or underthrust at the trench, elevated pore pressures result from the combination of rapid loading and low permeability. Pore pressure within underthrust sediment is especially important for the mechanical strength of the plate boundary fault system, because the main décollement localizes immediately above this sediment, and at many subduction zones steps downward into it. Because the underthrust sediment undergoes progressive uniaxial (vertical) strain, quantitative estimates of in situ pore pressure can be obtained by several methods, including: (1) maximum past burial stress ( Pv'}) from laboratory consolidation tests on core samples, and (2) observed compaction trends in boreholes. These methods allow a detailed view of pore pressure and its variability down-section, providing insight into dewatering processes and the evolution of shear strength relevant to early development of the décollement. Geotechnical tests also provide independent measurement of the coefficient of consolidation ( Cv), compressibility ( mv), and permeability (k) of sediment samples, which can be used to parameterize forward models of pressure generation. Here, I discuss pore pressure estimates derived from (1) consolidation tests on core samples, and (2) observed porosity profiles, along transects where ODP drilling has sampled sediment at the Nankai, N. Barbados, and Costa Rican subduction zones. At all three margins, the two independent methods yield consistent results, and indicate development of significant overpressures that increase systematically with distance from the trench. The values are in good agreement with direct measurements in 2 instrumented boreholes at Barbados, maximum and minimum bounds from the known loading rate, and results of 2-D numerical models of fluid flow. Inferred pressures document nearly undrained conditions at the base of the section (excess pressures equal to the load emplaced by subduction burial), and partially drained conditions at the top (excess pressures of ~40% of the undrained response at Costa Rica, ~50-60% at Nankai, and ~90-100% at Barbados). The spatial pattern of excess pore pressure is most consistent with upward drainage to a highly permeable décollement, to distances of at least 5-10 km landward of the trench. When directly measured values of mv and k from laboratory geotechnical experiments are incorporated into simple 1-D models of vertical dewatering, simulated pore pressures are consistent with those inferred from consolidation tests and porosity data. Model results suggest that severe underconsolidation should persist for tens of km from the trench; notably, simulated underconsolidation is diminished by 20-30 km landward of the trench at Nankai, broadly coincident with the locations of both diminished seismic reflection amplitude observed at the décollement and the updip extent of coseismic slip. The consistent results achieved at these three margins indicate that: (1) geotechnical tests can provide viable estimates of in situ pore pressure, at least at shallow depths, and (2) laboratory-derived values of permeability and sediment compressibility may be representative of in situ properties, despite collection at small spatial scale and over short times. However, significant uncertainty exists in projecting models to greater depth using geotechnical parameters from shallow samples; more detailed laboratory investigations are clearly needed to better understand the roles of temperature, rate, and diagenetic effects.

Geotechnical reconnaissance of the Mississippi River Delta flood-protection system after Hurricane Katrina: Chapter 3C in Science and the storms-the USGS response to the hurricanes of 2005

USGS Publications Warehouse

Luna, Ronaldo; Summers, David; Hoffman, David; Rogers, J. David; Sevi, Adam; Witt, Emitt C.

2007-01-01

This article presents the post-Hurricane Katrina conditions of the flood-protection system of levees and floodwalls that failed in the environs of the Mississippi River Delta and New Orleans, La. Damage conditions and suggested mechanisms of failure are presented from the geotechnical point of view.

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Volume I. Arizona Verification Studies, FY 79, and Geotechnical Data, La Posa CDP, Arizona.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-11-15

COMPACTION 7-12 [2] 9 SUITABILITY AS ROAD SUBGRADE (’) poor to fair lair to go SUITABILITY AS ROAD SUBBASE OR BASE (1) poor poor to fai aJ 2.1-10.9 1.1...wave velocity of 9350 fps (2850 mps). These variable seismic wave velocities indicate nonuniformity in subsoil density and cementation. Electrical

Evaluation of road failure vulnerability section through integrated geophysical and geotechnical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adiat, K. A. N.; Akinlalu, A. A.; Adegoroye, A. A.

2017-06-01

In order to investigate the competence of the proposed road for pavement stability, geotechnical and geophysical investigations involving Land Magnetic, Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and Electrical Resistivity methods were carried out along Akure-Ipinsa road Southwestern Nigeria. The magnetic profile was qualitatively and quantitatively interpreted to produce geomagnetic section that provides information on the basement topography and structural disposition beneath the proposed road. Similarly, the VLF-EM profile was equally interpreted to provide information on the possible occurrence of linear features beneath the study area. These linear features pose a potential risk to the proposed road as they are capable of undermining the stability of the pavement structure. The geoelectric parameters obtained from the quantitative interpretation of the VES data were used to generate geoelectric section. The geoelectric section generated shows that the study area was underlain by four geoelectric layers namely the topsoil, the weathered layer, the partly weathered/fractured basement and the fresh basement. The major part of the topsoil, which constitutes the subgrade, is characterized by relatively low resistivity values (<100 Ωm) suggestive of weak zones that are capable of undermining the stability of the proposed road. This therefore suggests that the layer is composed of incompetent materials that are unsuitable for engineering structures. Furthermore, fractured basement was also delineated beneath some portion of the proposed road. Since fracture is a weak zone, its presence can facilitate failure of the proposed road especially when it is occurring at shallow depth. The geotechnical results reveal that most of the investigated soil samples are clayey in nature. Integration of the results demonstrates that there is a good correlation between geophysical results and the geotechnical results. Furthermore, a vulnerability section that divided the road segments into three zones based on the degree of vulnerability was produced. These zones were high, moderate and low vulnerability zones. It is estimated that about 60% of the road segments constitutes moderate degree of vulnerability while 30% and 10% of the segments respectively constitute high and low degree of vulnerability.

Network Optimization for Induced Seismicity Monitoring in Urban Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraft, T.; Husen, S.; Wiemer, S.

2012-12-01

With the global challenge to satisfy an increasing demand for energy, geological energy technologies receive growing attention and have been initiated in or close to urban areas in the past several years. Some of these technologies involve injecting fluids into the subsurface (e.g., oil and gas development, waste disposal, and geothermal energy development) and have been found or suspected to cause small to moderate sized earthquakes. These earthquakes, which may have gone unnoticed in the past when they occurred in remote sparsely populated areas, are now posing a considerable risk for the public acceptance of these technologies in urban areas. The permanent termination of the EGS project in Basel, Switzerland after a number of induced ML~3 (minor) earthquakes in 2006 is one prominent example. It is therefore essential to the future development and success of these geological energy technologies to develop strategies for managing induced seismicity and keeping the size of induced earthquake at a level that is acceptable to all stakeholders. Most guidelines and recommendations on induced seismicity published since the 1970ies conclude that an indispensable component of such a strategy is the establishment of seismic monitoring in an early stage of a project. This is because an appropriate seismic monitoring is the only way to detect and locate induced microearthquakes with sufficient certainty to develop an understanding of the seismic and geomechanical response of the reservoir to the geotechnical operation. In addition, seismic monitoring lays the foundation for the establishment of advanced traffic light systems and is therefore an important confidence building measure towards the local population and authorities. We have developed an optimization algorithm for seismic monitoring networks in urban areas that allows to design and evaluate seismic network geometries for arbitrary geotechnical operation layouts. The algorithm is based on the D-optimal experimental design that aims to minimize the error ellipsoid of the linearized location problem. Optimization for additional criteria (e.g., focal mechanism determination or installation costs) can be included. We consider a 3D seismic velocity model, an European ambient seismic noise model derived from high-resolution land-use data and existing seismic stations in the vicinity of the geotechnical site. Using this algorithm we are able to find the optimal geometry and size of the seismic monitoring network that meets the predefined application-oriented performance criteria. In this talk we will focus on optimal network geometries for deep geothermal projects of the EGS and hydrothermal type. We will discuss the requirements for basic seismic surveillance and high-resolution reservoir monitoring and characterization.

Mini-review of the geotechnical parameters of municipal solid waste: Mechanical and biological pre-treated versus raw untreated waste.

PubMed

Petrovic, Igor

2016-09-01

The most viable option for biostabilisation of old sanitary landfills, filled with raw municipal solid waste, is the so-called bioreactor landfill. Even today, bioreactor landfills are viable options in many economically developing countries. However, in order to reduce the biodegradable component of landfilled waste, mechanical and biological treatment has become a widely accepted waste treatment technology, especially in more prosperous countries. Given that mechanical and biological treatment alters the geotechnical properties of raw waste material, the design of sanitary landfills which accepts mechanically and biologically treated waste, should be carried out with a distinct set of geotechnical parameters. However, under the assumption that 'waste is waste', some design engineers might be tempted to use geotechnical parameters of untreated raw municipal solid waste and mechanical and biological pre-treated municipal solid waste interchangeably. Therefore, to provide guidelines for use and to provide an aggregated source of this information, this mini-review provides comparisons of geotechnical parameters of mechanical and biological pre-treated waste and raw untreated waste at various decomposition stages. This comparison reveals reasonable correlations between the hydraulic conductivity values of untreated and mechanical and biological pre-treated municipal solid waste. It is recognised that particle size might have a significant influence on the hydraulic conductivity of both municipal solid waste types. However, the compression ratios and shear strengths of untreated and pre-treated municipal solid waste do not show such strong correlations. Furthermore, another emerging topic that requires appropriate attention is the recovery of resources that are embedded in old landfills. Therefore, the presented results provide a valuable tool for engineers designing landfills for mechanical and biological pre-treated waste or bioreactor landfills for untreated raw waste as well as planning landfill mining projects. © The Author(s) 2016.

Effects of biochar amendment on geotechnical properties of landfill cover soil.

PubMed

Reddy, Krishna R; Yaghoubi, Poupak; Yukselen-Aksoy, Yeliz

2015-06-01

Biochar is a carbon-rich product obtained when plant-based biomass is heated in a closed container with little or no available oxygen. Biochar-amended soil has the potential to serve as a landfill cover material that can oxidise methane emissions for two reasons: biochar amendment can increase the methane retention time and also enhance the biological activity that can promote the methanotrophic oxidation of methane. Hydraulic conductivity, compressibility and shear strength are the most important geotechnical properties that are required for the design of effective and stable landfill cover systems, but no studies have been reported on these properties for biochar-amended landfill cover soils. This article presents physicochemical and geotechnical properties of a biochar, a landfill cover soil and biochar-amended soils. Specifically, the effects of amending 5%, 10% and 20% biochar (of different particle sizes as produced, size-20 and size-40) to soil on its physicochemical properties, such as moisture content, organic content, specific gravity and pH, as well as geotechnical properties, such as hydraulic conductivity, compressibility and shear strength, were determined from laboratory testing. Soil or biochar samples were prepared by mixing them with 20% deionised water based on dry weight. Samples of soil amended with 5%, 10% and 20% biochar (w/w) as-is or of different select sizes, were also prepared at 20% initial moisture content. The results show that the hydraulic conductivity of the soil increases, compressibility of the soil decreases and shear strength of the soil increases with an increase in the biochar amendment, and with a decrease in biochar particle size. Overall, the study revealed that biochar-amended soils can possess excellent geotechnical properties to serve as stable landfill cover materials. © The Author(s) 2015.

Subsurface material identification and sensor selection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

T, H.; Reghunadh, R.; Ramesh, M. V.

2017-12-01

In India, most of the landslides occur during monsoon season and causes huge loss of life and property. Design of an early warning system for highly landslide prone area will reduce losses to a great extent. The in-situ monitoring systems needs deployment of several sensors inside a borehole for monitoring a particular slope. Amrita Center for Wireless Networks and Applications (AmritaWNA), Amrita University has designed, developed and deployed a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) for real time landslide monitoring using geotechnical instruments and sensors like rain gauge, moisture sensor, piezometer, strain gauge, tilt meter and geophone inside a Deep Earth Probe (DEP) at different locations. These sensors provide point measurements of the subsurface at a higher accuracy. Every landslide prone terrain is unique with respect to its geology, hydrological conditions, meteorological conditions, velocity of movement etc. The decision of installing different geotechnical instruments in a landslide prone terrain is a crucial step to be considered. Rain gauge, moisture sensor, and piezometer are usually used in clay rich areas to sense the moisture and pore pressure values. Geophone and Crack meter are instruments used in rocky areas to monitor cracks and vibrations associated with a movement. Inclinometer and Strain gauge are usually placed inside a casing and can be used in both rocky and soil areas. In order to place geotechnical instruments and sensors at appropriate places Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method can be used. Variation in electrical resistivity values indicate the changes in composition, layer thickness, or contaminant levels. The derived true resistivity image can be used for identifying the type of materials present in the subsurface at different depths. We have used this method for identifying the type of materials present in our site at Chandmari (Sikkim). Fig 1 shows the typical resistivity values of a particular area in Chandmari site. The results shows that the area has more clay so the placement of moisture sensor and piezometer are required instead of placing geophone, crack meter etc.

A probabilistic approach for shallow rainfall-triggered landslide modeling at basin scale. A case study in the Luquillo Forest, Puerto Rico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dialynas, Y. G.; Arnone, E.; Noto, L. V.; Bras, R. L.

2013-12-01

Slope stability depends on geotechnical and hydrological factors that exhibit wide natural spatial variability, yet sufficient measurements of the related parameters are rarely available over entire study areas. The uncertainty associated with the inability to fully characterize hydrologic behavior has an impact on any attempt to model landslide hazards. This work suggests a way to systematically account for this uncertainty in coupled distributed hydrological-stability models for shallow landslide hazard assessment. A probabilistic approach for the prediction of rainfall-triggered landslide occurrence at basin scale was implemented in an existing distributed eco-hydrological and landslide model, tRIBS-VEGGIE -landslide (Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN)-based Real-time Integrated Basin Simulator - VEGetation Generator for Interactive Evolution). More precisely, we upgraded tRIBS-VEGGIE- landslide to assess the likelihood of shallow landslides by accounting for uncertainty related to geotechnical and hydrological factors that directly affect slope stability. Natural variability of geotechnical soil characteristics was considered by randomizing soil cohesion and friction angle. Hydrological uncertainty related to the estimation of matric suction was taken into account by considering soil retention parameters as correlated random variables. The probability of failure is estimated through an assumed theoretical Factor of Safety (FS) distribution, conditioned on soil moisture content. At each cell, the temporally variant FS statistics are approximated by the First Order Second Moment (FOSM) method, as a function of parameters statistical properties. The model was applied on the Rio Mameyes Basin, located in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico, where previous landslide analyses have been carried out. At each time step, model outputs include the probability of landslide occurrence across the basin, and the most probable depth of failure at each soil column. The use of the proposed probabilistic approach for shallow landslide prediction is able to reveal and quantify landslide risk at slopes assessed as stable by simpler deterministic methods.

Geotechnical Applications of the Self-Potential (SP) Method. Report 2. The Use of Self Potential to Detect Ground-Water Flow in Karst

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

with Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii . 14. The streaming potentials produced by the motion of ground water under a pressure gradient through a porous media...topography. An i.xtreme example is the -2,693-mv anomaly found on Agadak Volcano in Alaska (Corwin and Hoover 1978) and the -1,600-mv anomaly associated

Development of Early Warning System for Landslide Using Electromagnetic, Hydrological, Geotechnical, and Geological Approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Q.; Hattori, K.; Chae, B.

2011-12-01

The Joint Research Collaboration Program (JRCP) for Chinese-Korean-Japanese (CKJ) Research Collaboration is a new cooperative scheme for joint funding from Chinese Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology (DOIC), Korea Foundation for International Cooperation of Science and Technology (KICOS) and Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). In this paper, we will introduce the funded CKJ project entitled "Development of early warning system for landslide using electromagnetic, hydrological, geotechnical, and geological approaches". The final goal of the project is to develop a simple methodology for landslide monitoring/forecasting (early warning system) using self potential method in the frame work of joint research among China, Korea, and Japan. The project is developing a new scientific and technical methodology for prevention of natural soil disasters. The outline of the project is as follows: (1) basic understanding on the relationship between resistivity distribution and moisture in soil and their visualization of their dynamical changes in space and time using tomography technique, (2) laboratory experiments of rainfall induced landslides and sandbox for practical use of the basic understanding, (3) in-situ experiments for evaluation. Annual workshops/symposia, seminars will be organized for strengthening the scientific collaborations and exchanges. In consideration of the above issues, integration of geological, hydrological, geotechnical characteristics with electromagnetic one are adopted as the key approach in this project. This study is partially supported by the Joint Research Collaboration Program, DOIC, MOST, China (2010DFA21570) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (40974038, 41025014).

Geotechnical Evaluation of the Brownsville Levee Cracking and Partial Slope Failure

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

Service, Palo Alto Battlefield, Palo Alto, TX, for early historic map data. The discussion that follows presents various forms of historical information...properties for use in the geotechnical analysis. CPT data were used to identify a riverbank and a levee formed of mainly fine-grained, low shear strength...size, mineralogy, consistency, stiffness, presence of mottling, occurrence of concretions, organics, fossils , buried soil horizons, and other

Effects of leachate on geotechnical characteristics of sandy clay soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harun, N. S.; Ali, Z. Rahman; Rahim, A. S.; Lihan, T.; Idris, R. M. W.

2013-11-01

Leachate is a hazardous liquid that poses negative impacts if leaks out into environments such as soil and ground water systems. The impact of leachate on the downgraded quality in terms of chemical characteristic is more concern rather than the physical or mechanical aspect. The effect of leachate on mechanical behaviour of contaminated soil is not well established and should be investigated. This paper presents the preliminary results of the effects of leachate on the Atterberg limit, compaction and shear strength of leachate-contaminated soil. The contaminated soil samples were prepared by mixing the leachate at ratiosbetween 0% and 20% leachate contents with soil samples. Base soil used was residual soil originated from granitic rock and classified as sandy clay soil (CS). Its specific gravity ranged between 2.5 and 2.64 with clay minerals of kaolinite, muscovite and quartz. The field strength of the studied soil ranged between 156 and 207 kN/m2. The effects of leachate on the Atterberg limit clearly indicated by the decrease in liquid and plastic limit values with the increase in the leachate content. Compaction tests on leachate-contaminated soil caused the dropped in maximum dry density, ρdry and increased in optimum moisture content, wopt when the amount of leachate was increased between 0% and 20%. The results suggested that leachate contamination capable to modify some geotechnical properties of the studied residual soils.

Application of geotechnical and geophysical field measurements in an active alpine environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, D. R.; Fankhauser, K.; Springman, S. M.

2015-09-01

Rainfall can trigger landslides, rockfalls and debris flow events. When rainfall infiltrates into the soil, the suction (if there is any) is reduced, until positive water pressure can be developed, decreasing the effective stresses and leading to a potential failure. A challenging site for the study of mass movement is the Meretschibach catchment, a location in the Swiss Alps in the vicinity of Agarn, Canton of Valais. To study the effect of rainfall on slope stabilities, the soil characterization provides valuable insight on soil properties, necessary to establish a realistic ground model. This model, together with an effective long term-field monitoring, deliver the essential information and boundary conditions for predicting and validating rainfall- induced slope instabilities using numerical and physical modelling. Geotechnical monitoring, including soil temperature and volumetric water content measurements, has been performed on the study site together with geophysical measurements (ERT) to study the effect of rainfall on the (potential) triggering of landslides on a scree slope composed of a surficial layer of gravelly soil. These techniques were combined to provide information on the soil characteristics and depth to the bedrock. Seasonal changes of precipitation and temperature were reflected in corresponding trends in all measurements. A comparison of volumetric water content records was obtained from decagons, time domain reflectometry (TDR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) conducted throughout the spring and summer months of 2014, yielding a reasonable agreement.

Soil-Structure Interaction Study of Red River Lock and Dam No. 1 Subjected to Sediment Loading

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

Sediment Loading by Robert M. Ebeling, Reed L. Mosher, Kevin Abraham Information Technology Laboratory John F. Peters Geotechnical Laboratory DTIC fl ELECTE...Robert M. Ebeling, Reed L. Mosher, Kevin Abraham Information Technology Laboratory John F. Peters Geotechnical Laboratory U.S. Army Corps of Engineers...Division (CAED), Informa- tion Technology Laboratory (ITL), Dr. Reed L. Mosher, Acting Chief, CAED, Mr. Kevin Abraham, Scientific and Engineering

Repair, Evaluation, Maintenance, and Rehabilitation Research Program: Geotechnical Aspects of Rock Erosion in Emergency Spillway Channels. Report 3. Remediation

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-01

identified early and treated promptly. The same authors proposed that the rock-mass parameters that govern rippability , when combined with...lithostratigraphic continuity factors, may provide predictive erosion indices from a geotechnical point of view. 16. Rippability is a form of rock-mass...The rock-mass parameters from which a rippability rating (RR) is derived include rock type, hardness, weathering, structure (strike and dip orientation

A "simulation chain" to define a Multidisciplinary Decision Support System for landslide risk management in pyroclastic soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damiano, E.; Mercogliano, P.; Netti, N.; Olivares, L.

2012-04-01

This paper proposes a Multidisciplinary Decision Support System (MDSS) as an approach to manage rainfall-induced shallow landslides of the flow type (flowslides) in pyroclastic deposits. We stress the need to combine information from the fields of meteorology, geology, hydrology, geotechnics and economics to support the agencies engaged in land monitoring and management. The MDSS consists of a "simulation chain" to link rainfall to effects in terms of infiltration, slope stability and vulnerability. This "simulation chain" was developed at the Euro-Mediterranean Centre for Climate Change (CMCC) (meteorological aspects), at the Geotechnical Laboratory of the Second University of Naples (hydrological and geotechnical aspects) and at the Department of Economics of the University of Naples "Federico II" (economic aspects). The results obtained from the application of this simulation chain in the Cervinara area during eleven years of research allowed in-depth analysis of the mechanisms underlying a flowslide in pyroclastic soil.

Work-related injuries and fatalities in the geotechnical site works.

PubMed

Akboğa Kale, Özge; Eskişar, Tuğba

2018-05-19

Geotechnical site works are comprehensive, and they constitute the first step of the construction process. This study performs data mining of geotechnical works and analyzes the database for the root causes of accidents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was chosen for the 1984-2013 time frame with 247 cases. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to discuss variables such as the end use of the work, project type and cost, soil type and condition, type and degree of injury, cause and type of accident, unsafe acts, and occupation and union status of the victim. The results showed that these accidents have a high frequency of recurrence and have a high severity level (54.3% fatalities). In addition, a total of 838 violations were recorded with penalties reaching 5 million US dollars. This study emphasizes that project-specific countermeasures should be taken regarding the root causes of accidents, leading to vigorous strategies to develop safety measures.

Engineering and Design: Geotechnical Analysis by the Finite Element Method

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-07-31

of an Idealized ’Wet Clay’.” Nobari, E. S., Lee, K. L., and Duncan, J. M. Soil Mechanics, Wiesbaden I, 47-54. (1973). “ Hydraulic Fracturing in Zoned...nonsteady flow conditions - Pore pressures induced by loading under undrained conditions - Potential for cracking in embankment dams - Potential for hydraulic ... fracturing in embankment dams - Potential for hydraulic separation between concrete and soil - Settlements and horizontal movements b. Comparing

Model-based classification of CPT data and automated lithostratigraphic mapping for high-resolution characterization of a heterogeneous sedimentary aquifer

PubMed Central

Mallants, Dirk; Batelaan, Okke; Gedeon, Matej; Huysmans, Marijke; Dassargues, Alain

2017-01-01

Cone penetration testing (CPT) is one of the most efficient and versatile methods currently available for geotechnical, lithostratigraphic and hydrogeological site characterization. Currently available methods for soil behaviour type classification (SBT) of CPT data however have severe limitations, often restricting their application to a local scale. For parameterization of regional groundwater flow or geotechnical models, and delineation of regional hydro- or lithostratigraphy, regional SBT classification would be very useful. This paper investigates the use of model-based clustering for SBT classification, and the influence of different clustering approaches on the properties and spatial distribution of the obtained soil classes. We additionally propose a methodology for automated lithostratigraphic mapping of regionally occurring sedimentary units using SBT classification. The methodology is applied to a large CPT dataset, covering a groundwater basin of ~60 km2 with predominantly unconsolidated sandy sediments in northern Belgium. Results show that the model-based approach is superior in detecting the true lithological classes when compared to more frequently applied unsupervised classification approaches or literature classification diagrams. We demonstrate that automated mapping of lithostratigraphic units using advanced SBT classification techniques can provide a large gain in efficiency, compared to more time-consuming manual approaches and yields at least equally accurate results. PMID:28467468

Model-based classification of CPT data and automated lithostratigraphic mapping for high-resolution characterization of a heterogeneous sedimentary aquifer.

PubMed

Rogiers, Bart; Mallants, Dirk; Batelaan, Okke; Gedeon, Matej; Huysmans, Marijke; Dassargues, Alain

2017-01-01

Cone penetration testing (CPT) is one of the most efficient and versatile methods currently available for geotechnical, lithostratigraphic and hydrogeological site characterization. Currently available methods for soil behaviour type classification (SBT) of CPT data however have severe limitations, often restricting their application to a local scale. For parameterization of regional groundwater flow or geotechnical models, and delineation of regional hydro- or lithostratigraphy, regional SBT classification would be very useful. This paper investigates the use of model-based clustering for SBT classification, and the influence of different clustering approaches on the properties and spatial distribution of the obtained soil classes. We additionally propose a methodology for automated lithostratigraphic mapping of regionally occurring sedimentary units using SBT classification. The methodology is applied to a large CPT dataset, covering a groundwater basin of ~60 km2 with predominantly unconsolidated sandy sediments in northern Belgium. Results show that the model-based approach is superior in detecting the true lithological classes when compared to more frequently applied unsupervised classification approaches or literature classification diagrams. We demonstrate that automated mapping of lithostratigraphic units using advanced SBT classification techniques can provide a large gain in efficiency, compared to more time-consuming manual approaches and yields at least equally accurate results.

Bamboo leaf ash as the stabilizer for soft soil treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, A. S. A.; Jais, I. B. M.; Sidek, N.; Ahmad, J.; Rosli, M. I. F.

2018-04-01

Soft soil is a type of soil that have the size of particle less than 0.063mm. The strength of the soft soil does not fulfil the requirement for construction. The present of soft soil at the construction site always give a lot of problems and issues to geotechnical sector. Soil settlement is one of the problems that related to soft soil. The determination of the soft soil physical characteristics will provide a detail description on its characteristic. Soft soil need to be treated in order to gain the standard strength for construction. One of the method to strengthen the soft soil is by using pozzolanic material as a treatment method for soft soil. Furthermore bamboo leaf ash is one of the newly founded materials that contain pozzolanic material. Any material that consist of Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) as the main component and followed by Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) and Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) are consider as pozzolanic material. Bamboo leaf ash is mix with the cement as the treatment material. Bamboo leaf ash will react with the cement to produce additional cement binder. Thus, it will increase the soil strength and will ease the geotechnical sector to achieve high quality of construction product.

HDD proves effective in crossing French river

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1997-06-01

Gas de France is the primary transporter and distributor of natural gas in France, operating some 28,000 kilometers of gas pipelines. In 1996, Gas de France and Gas du Sud Ouest moved forward with the Artere du Midi consisting of a 375-kilometer gas pipeline, respectively in charge of 200-kilometer and a 175-kilometer sections linking the east and west grids in the southeast of France. A significant part of the Artere du Midi included a crossing of the Rhone River near Aries. The Rhone flows from north to south between the volcanic massif central and the Alps into the Mediterranean Sea.more » The crossing site is just at the entry of the Rhone delta, where the flow decelerates and erosion deposits of large granular size have occurred for millennia. Geotechnical investigations indicated that the crossing has difficult soil conditions, mostly made of coarse sand with numerous lenses of gravel and cobble. The Rhone delta, once occupied by the Romans is scenic and historic, so the construction method was very sensitive to the local public and tourist. Despite the geotechnical conditions, Gaz de France chose the horizontal directional drilling method for construction because it offers minimal environmental impact and a relatively short construction schedule. The paper discusses the horizontal directional drilling process.« less

Methodology of remote sensing data interpretation and geological applications. [Brazil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parada, N. D. J. (Principal Investigator); Veneziani, P.; Dosanjos, C. E.

1982-01-01

Elements of photointerpretation discussed include the analysis of photographic texture and structure as well as film tonality. The method used is based on conventional techniques developed for interpreting aerial black and white photographs. By defining the properties which characterize the form and individuality of dual images, homologous zones can be identified. Guy's logic method (1966) was adapted and used on functions of resolution, scale, and spectral characteristics of remotely sensed products. Applications of LANDSAT imagery are discussed for regional geological mapping, mineral exploration, hydrogeology, and geotechnical engineering in Brazil.

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Volume VIII. Nevada - Utah Verification Studies, FY 79. Geotechnical Data Big Smoky CDP, Nevada.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-08-24

Diablo Baseline and Meridian references: (1) Fugro field measurements (1979) (2) Nevada State Engineers Office (1979) (3) Robinson, Thordarson , and...3) Robinson, Thordarson , and Beetem (1967) (4) Rush (1968) (5) Rush and Schroer (1970) (6) U. S. Geological Survey (1971) (7) U. S. Geological Survey...and Meridian references (1) Fugro field measurements (1979) (2) Nevada State Engineers Office (1979) (3) Robinson, Thordarson , and Beetem (1967) (4

Risk-based planning analysis for a single levee

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, Rui; Jachens, Elizabeth; Lund, Jay

2016-04-01

Traditional risk-based analysis for levee planning focuses primarily on overtopping failure. Although many levees fail before overtopping, few planning studies explicitly include intermediate geotechnical failures in flood risk analysis. This study develops a risk-based model for two simplified levee failure modes: overtopping failure and overall intermediate geotechnical failure from through-seepage, determined by the levee cross section represented by levee height and crown width. Overtopping failure is based only on water level and levee height, while through-seepage failure depends on many geotechnical factors as well, mathematically represented here as a function of levee crown width using levee fragility curves developed from professional judgment or analysis. These levee planning decisions are optimized to minimize the annual expected total cost, which sums expected (residual) annual flood damage and annualized construction costs. Applicability of this optimization approach to planning new levees or upgrading existing levees is demonstrated preliminarily for a levee on a small river protecting agricultural land, and a major levee on a large river protecting a more valuable urban area. Optimized results show higher likelihood of intermediate geotechnical failure than overtopping failure. The effects of uncertainty in levee fragility curves, economic damage potential, construction costs, and hydrology (changing climate) are explored. Optimal levee crown width is more sensitive to these uncertainties than height, while the derived general principles and guidelines for risk-based optimal levee planning remain the same.

Rock Mass Classification of Karstic Terrain in the Reservoir Slopes of Tekeze Hydropower Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hailemariam Gugsa, Trufat; Schneider, Jean Friedrich

2010-05-01

Hydropower reservoirs in deep gorges usually experience slope failures and mass movements. History also showed that some of these projects suffered severe landslides, which left lots of victims and enormous economic loss. Thus, it became vital to make substantial slope stability studies in such reservoirs to ensure safe project development. This study also presents a regional scale instability assessment of the Tekeze Hydropower reservoir slopes. Tekeze hydropower project is a newly constructed double arch dam that completed in August 2009. It is developed on Tekeze River, tributary of Blue Nile River that runs across the northern highlands of Ethiopia. It cuts a savage gorge 2000m deep, the deepest canyon in Africa. The dam is the highest dam in Ethiopia at 188m, 10 m higher than China's Three Gorges Dam. It is being developed by Chinese company at a cost of US350M. The reservoir is designed at 1140 m elevation, as retention level to store more than 9000 million m3 volume of water that covers an area of 150 km2, mainly in channel filling form. In this study, generation of digital elevation model from ASTER satellite imagery and surface field investigation is initially considered for further image processing and terrain parameters' analyses. Digitally processed multi spectral ASTER ortho-images drape over the DEM are used to have different three dimensional perspective views in interpreting lithological, structural and geomorphological features, which are later verified by field mapping. Terrain slopes are also delineated from the relief scene. A GIS database is ultimately developed to facilitate the delineation of geotechnical units for slope rock mass classification. Accordingly, 83 geotechnical units are delineated and, within them, 240 measurement points are established to quantify in-situ geotechnical parameters. Due to geotechnical uncertainties, four classification systems; namely geomorphic rock mass strength classification (RMS), slope mass rating (SMR), rock slope stability probability classification (SSPC) and geological strength index (GSI) are employed to classify the rock mass. The results are further compared with one another to delineate the instability conditions and produce an instability map of the reservoir slopes. Instability of the reservoir slopes is found to be mainly associated with daylighting discontinuities, thinly bedded/foliated slates, and karstified limestone. It is also noted that these features are mostly located in the regional gliding plane and shear zone, which are related with old slides scars. In general, the instabilities are found relatively far from the dam axis, in relatively less elevated and less steep slopes, which are going to be nearly covered by the impoundment; thus, they are normally expected to have less hazard in relation to the reservoir setting. Some minor failures will be generally expected during the reservoir filling.

Subsurface structure around Omi basin using borehole database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitada, N.; Ito, H.; Takemura, K.; Mitamura, M.

2015-12-01

Kansai Geo-informatics Network (KG-NET) is organized as a new system of management of GI-base in 2005. This organization collects the geotechnical and geological information of borehole data more than 60,000 data. GI-base is the database system of the KG-NET and platform to use these borehole data. Kansai Geo-informatics Research Committee (KG-R) is tried to explain the geotechnical properties and geological environment using borehole database in Kansai area. In 2014, KG-R established the 'Shin-Kansai Jiban Omi plain', and explain the subsurface geology and characteristics of geotechnical properties. In this study we introduce this result and consider the sedimental environment and characteristics in this area. Omi Basin is located in the central part of Shiga Prefecture which includes the largest lake in Japan called Lake Biwa. About 15,000 borehole data are corrected to consider the subsurface properties. The outline of topographical and geological characteristics of the basin is divided into west side and east side. The west side area is typical reverse fault called Biwako-Seigan fault zone along the lakefront. From Biwako-Seigan fault, the Omi basin is tilting down from east to west. Otherwise, the east areas distribute lowland and hilly area comparatively. The sedimentary facies are also complicate and difficult to be generally evaluated. So the discussion has been focused about mainly the eastern and western part of Lake Biwa. The widely dispersed volcanic ash named Aira-Tn (AT) deposited before 26,000-29,000 years ago (Machida and Arai, 2003), is sometimes interbedded the humic layers in the low level ground area. However, because most of the sediments are comprised by thick sand and gravels whose deposit age could not be investigated, it is difficult to widely identify the boundary of strata. Three types of basement rocks are distributed mainly (granite, sediment rock, rhyolite), and characteristics of deposit are difference of each backland basement rock. Therefore, we considered the characteristics of area deposit as each riverine system. Otherwise, lakeside area are distributes many humic layers and sandy beach ridge. The results of each distinctive trend are useful to estimate of seismic properties and zonation.

Harvesting rockfall hazard evaluation parameters from Google Earth Street View

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Partsinevelos, Panagiotis; Agioutantis, Zacharias; Tripolitsiotis, Achilles; Steiakakis, Chrysanthos; Mertikas, Stelios

2015-04-01

Rockfall incidents along highways and railways prove extremely dangerous for properties, infrastructures and human lives. Several qualitative metrics such as the Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) and the Colorado Rockfall Hazard Rating System (CRHRS) have been established to estimate rockfall potential and provide risk maps in order to control and monitor rockfall incidents. The implementation of such metrics for efficient and reliable risk modeling require accurate knowledge of multi-parametric attributes such as the geological, geotechnical, topographic parameters of the study area. The Missouri Rockfall Hazard Rating System (MORH RS) identifies the most potentially problematic areas using digital video logging for the determination of parameters like slope height and angle, face irregularities, etc. This study aims to harvest in a semi-automated approach geometric and qualitative measures through open source platforms that may provide 3-dimensional views of the areas of interest. More specifically, the Street View platform from Google Maps, is hereby used to provide essential information that can be used towards 3-dimensional reconstruction of slopes along highways. The potential of image capturing along a programmable virtual route to provide the input data for photogrammetric processing is also evaluated. Moreover, qualitative characterization of the geological and geotechnical status, based on the Street View images, is performed. These attributes are then integrated to deliver a GIS-based rockfall hazard map. The 3-dimensional models are compared to actual photogrammetric measures in a rockfall prone area in Crete, Greece while in-situ geotechnical characterization is also used to compare and validate the hazard risk. This work is considered as the first step towards the exploitation of open source platforms to improve road safety and the development of an operational system where authorized agencies (i.e., civil protection) will be able to acquire near-real time hazard maps based on video images retrieved either by open source platforms, operational unmanned aerial vehicles, and/or simple video recordings from users. This work has been performed under the framework of the "Cooperation 2011" project ISTRIA (11_SYN_9_13989) funded from the Operational Program "Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship" (co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)) and managed by the Greek General Secretariat for Research and Technology.

Strong Motion Recording in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Archuleta, R. J.; Fletcher, J. B.; Shakal, A. F.

2014-12-01

The United States strong motion program began in 1932 when the Coast and Geodetic Survey (C&GS) installed eight strong motion accelerographs in California. During the March 1933 Long Beach earthquake, three of these produced the first strong motion records. With this success the C&GS expanded the number of accelerographs to 71 by 1964. With development of less expensive, mass-produced accelerographs the number of strong motion accelerographs expanded to ~575 by 1972. Responsibilities for operating the network and disseminating data were transferred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 1970 and then to the U.S. Geological Survey in 1973. In 1972 the California Legislature established the California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP). CSMIP operates accelerographs at 812 ground stations, with multi-channel accelerographs in 228 buildings, 125 lifelines and 37 geotechnical arrays, in California. The USGS and the ANSS effort operate accelerographs at 1584 ground stations, 96 buildings, 14 bridges, 70 dams, and 15 multi-channel geotechnical arrays. The USC Los Angeles array has 78 ground stations; UCSB operates 5 geotechnical arrays; other government and private institutions also operate accelerographs. Almost all accelerographs are now digital with a sampling rate of 200 Hz. Most of the strong motion data can be downloaded from the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data (http://strongmotioncenter.org). As accelerographs have become more sophisticated, the concept of what constitutes strong motion has blurred because small earthquakes (M ~3) are well recorded on accelerometers as well as seismometers. However, when accelerations are over ~10%g and velocities over ~1 cm/s, the accelerometers remain on scale, providing the unclipped data necessary to analyze the ground motion and its consequences. Strong motion data are essential to the development of ground motion prediction equations, understanding structural response, performance based engineering, soil response, and inversions for earthquake rupture parameters. While an important number of stations have been installed, many areas of the US are significantly deficient, e.g., recordings were obtained from only 2 stations within 60 km of the Mineral earthquake that damaged the nation's capital and other areas.

Development of AN Open-Source Automatic Deformation Monitoring System for Geodetical and Geotechnical Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engel, P.; Schweimler, B.

2016-04-01

The deformation monitoring of structures and buildings is an important task field of modern engineering surveying, ensuring the standing and reliability of supervised objects over a long period. Several commercial hardware and software solutions for the realization of such monitoring measurements are available on the market. In addition to them, a research team at the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences (NUAS) is actively developing a software package for monitoring purposes in geodesy and geotechnics, which is distributed under an open source licence and free of charge. The task of managing an open source project is well-known in computer science, but it is fairly new in a geodetic context. This paper contributes to that issue by detailing applications, frameworks, and interfaces for the design and implementation of open hardware and software solutions for sensor control, sensor networks, and data management in automatic deformation monitoring. It will be discussed how the development effort of networked applications can be reduced by using free programming tools, cloud computing technologies, and rapid prototyping methods.

Engineering geologic and geotechnical analysis of paleoseismic shaking using liquefaction effects: Field examples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Green, R.A.; Obermeier, S.F.; Olson, S.M.

2005-01-01

The greatest impediments to the widespread acceptance of back-calculated ground motion characteristics from paleoliquefaction studies typically stem from three uncertainties: (1) the significance of changes in the geotechnical properties of post-liquefied sediments (e.g., "aging" and density changes), (2) the selection of appropriate geotechnical soil indices from individual paleoliquefaction sites, and (3) the methodology for integration of back-calculated results of strength of shaking from individual paleoliquefaction sites into a regional assessment of paleoseismic strength of shaking. Presented herein are two case studies that illustrate the methods outlined by Olson et al. [Engineering Geology, this issue] for addressing these uncertainties. The first case study is for a site near Memphis, Tennessee, wherein cone penetration test data from side-by-side locations, one of liquefaction and the other of no liquefaction, are used to readily discern that the influence of post-liquefaction "aging" and density changes on the measured in situ soil indices is minimal. In the second case study, 12 sites that are at scattered locations in the Wabash Valley and that exhibit paleoliquefaction features are analyzed. The features are first provisionally attributed to the Vincennes Earthquake, which occurred around 6100 years BP, and are used to illustrate our proposed approach for selecting representative soil indices of the liquefied sediments. These indices are used in back-calculating the strength of shaking at the individual sites, the results from which are then incorporated into a regional assessment of the moment magnitude, M, of the Vincennes Earthquake. The regional assessment validated the provisional assumption that the paleoliquefaction features at the scattered sites were induced by the Vincennes Earthquake, in the main, which was determined to have M ??? 7.5. The uncertainties and assumptions used in the assessment are discussed in detail. ?? 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geotechnical Parameters of Alluvial Soils from in-situ Tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Młynarek, Zbigniew; Stefaniak, Katarzyna; Wierzbicki, Jędrzej

2012-10-01

The article concentrates on the identification of geotechnical parameters of alluvial soil represented by silts found near Poznan and Elblag. Strength and deformation parameters of the subsoil tested were identified by the CPTU (static penetration) and SDMT (dilatometric) methods, as well as by the vane test (VT). Geotechnical parameters of the subsoil were analysed with a view to using the soil as an earth construction material and as a foundation for buildings constructed on the grounds tested. The article includes an analysis of the overconsolidation process of the soil tested and a formula for the identification of the overconsolidation ratio OCR. Equation 9 reflects the relation between the undrained shear strength and plasticity of the silts analyzed and the OCR value. The analysis resulted in the determination of the Nkt coefficient, which might be used to identify the undrained shear strength of both sediments tested. On the basis of a detailed analysis of changes in terms of the constrained oedometric modulus M0, the relations between the said modulus, the liquidity index and the OCR value were identified. Mayne's formula (1995) was used to determine the M0 modulus from the CPTU test. The usefullness of the sediments found near Poznan as an earth construction material was analysed after their structure had been destroyed and compacted with a Proctor apparatus. In cases of samples characterised by different water content and soil particle density, the analysis of changes in terms of cohesion and the internal friction angle proved that these parameters are influenced by the soil phase composition (Fig. 18 and 19). On the basis of the tests, it was concluded that the most desirable shear strength parameters are achieved when the silt is compacted below the optimum water content.

Geotechnical Parameters of Alluvial Soils from in-situ Tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Młynarek, Zbigniew; Stefaniak, Katarzyna; Wierzbicki, Jedrzej

2012-10-01

The article concentrates on the identification of geotechnical parameters of alluvial soil represented by silts found near Poznan and Elblag. Strength and deformation parameters of the subsoil tested were identified by the CPTU (static penetration) and SDMT (dilatometric) methods, as well as by the vane test (VT). Geotechnical parameters of the subsoil were analysed with a view to using the soil as an earth construction material and as a foundation for buildings constructed on the grounds tested. The article includes an analysis of the overconsolidation process of the soil tested and a formula for the identification of the overconsolidation ratio OCR. Equation 9 reflects the relation between the undrained shear strength and plasticity of the silts analyzed and the OCR value. The analysis resulted in the determination of the Nkt coefficient, which might be used to identify the undrained shear strength of both sediments tested. On the basis of a detailed analysis of changes in terms of the constrained oedometric modulus M0, the relations between the said modulus, the liquidity index and the OCR value were identified. Mayne's formula (1995) was used to determine the M0 modulus from the CPTU test. The usefullness of the sediments found near Poznan as an earth construction material was analysed after their structure had been destroyed and compacted with a Proctor apparatus. In cases of samples characterised by different water content and soil particle density, the analysis of changes in terms of cohesion and the internal friction angle proved that these parameters are influenced by the soil phase composition (Fig. 18 and 19). On the basis of the tests, it was concluded that the most desirable shear strength parameters are achieved when the silt is compacted below the optimum water content.

Influence of effective stress and dry density on the permeability of municipal solid waste.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhenying; Wang, Yingfeng; Xu, Hui; Fang, Yuehua; Wu, Dazhi

2018-05-01

A landfill is one of the main sites for disposal of municipal solid waste and the current landfill disposal system faces several problems. For instance, excessive leachate water is an important factor leading to landfill instability. Understanding the permeability characteristics of municipal solid waste is a relevant topic in the field of environmental geotechnical engineering. In this paper, the current research progress on permeability characteristics of municipal solid waste is discussed. A review of recent studies indicates that the research in this field is divided into two categories based on the experimental method employed: field tests and laboratory tests. This paper summarizes test methods, landfill locations, waste ages, dry densities and permeability coefficients across different studies that focus on permeability characteristics. Additionally, an experimental study on compressibility and permeability characteristics of fresh municipal solid waste under different effective stresses and compression times was carried out. Moreover, the relationships between the permeability coefficient and effective stress as well as dry density were obtained and a permeability prediction model was established. Finally, the experimental results from the existing literature and this paper were compared and the effects of effective stress and dry density on the permeability characteristics of municipal solid waste were summarized. This study provides the basis for analysis of leachate production in a landfill.

Ant Colony Optimization Analysis on Overall Stability of High Arch Dam Basis of Field Monitoring

PubMed Central

Liu, Xiaoli; Chen, Hong-Xin; Kim, Jinxie

2014-01-01

A dam ant colony optimization (D-ACO) analysis of the overall stability of high arch dams on complicated foundations is presented in this paper. A modified ant colony optimization (ACO) model is proposed for obtaining dam concrete and rock mechanical parameters. A typical dam parameter feedback problem is proposed for nonlinear back-analysis numerical model based on field monitoring deformation and ACO. The basic principle of the proposed model is the establishment of the objective function of optimizing real concrete and rock mechanical parameter. The feedback analysis is then implemented with a modified ant colony algorithm. The algorithm performance is satisfactory, and the accuracy is verified. The m groups of feedback parameters, used to run a nonlinear FEM code, and the displacement and stress distribution are discussed. A feedback analysis of the deformation of the Lijiaxia arch dam and based on the modified ant colony optimization method is also conducted. By considering various material parameters obtained using different analysis methods, comparative analyses were conducted on dam displacements, stress distribution characteristics, and overall dam stability. The comparison results show that the proposal model can effectively solve for feedback multiple parameters of dam concrete and rock material and basically satisfy assessment requirements for geotechnical structural engineering discipline. PMID:25025089

Lunar soils grain size catalog

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graf, John C.

1993-01-01

This catalog compiles every available grain size distribution for Apollo surface soils, trench samples, cores, and Luna 24 soils. Original laboratory data are tabled, and cumulative weight distribution curves and histograms are plotted. Standard statistical parameters are calculated using the method of moments. Photos and location comments describe the sample environment and geological setting. This catalog can help researchers describe the geotechnical conditions and site variability of the lunar surface essential to the design of a lunar base.

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Verification Study - Lake Valley, Nevada. Volume II. Geotechnical Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-31

dolomite , chalk). J S3 Argillaceous Rocks - Composed of clay and silt-sized particles (e.g., siltstone, shale, claystone). S4 Evaporite Rocks...of preexisting rocks by heat and pressure (e.g., gneiss, schist, hornfels, metaquartzite). I I I J • I I I I I I II II 19 E-TR-27.LV-I S 1IL 0 ESCR I...Weathering 26. Structure Bedding Characteristics Bedding Attitude Fracture , Joint 27. Secondary Alteration/Mineralization S MX SITING

A study of geothermal prospects in the western United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The commercial development potential of 13 underdeveloped geothermal prospects in the Western United States was examined, and the prospects were ranked in order of relative potential for development on the basis of investment considerations. The following were considered in the ranking: geotechnical and engineering data, energy market accessibility, administrative constraints, and environmental and socio-economic factors. The primary ranking criterion is the unit cost of energy production expected from each prospect. Secondary criteria are administrative constraints, environmental factors and the quality of the geotechnical data.

Geotechnical investigation report for proposed array of six 40-meter diameter antennas, Pioneer site, DSS 11, Goldstone, California tracking complex

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sweitzer, J. S.

1979-01-01

The geotechnical investigation was conducted in three disciplines: (1) geological field reconnaissance of the general area of proposed construction; (2) geophysical seismic refraction survey of the localized area surrounding the six proposed antenna sites, including shear wave velocity determination; and (3) detailed foundation engineering investigation of each of the six sites. The investigations indicate that the six sites selected are relatively free from geologic hazards which would inhibit the proposed construction or future antenna operations.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The feasibility of constructing a 25-50 MWe geothermal power plant using low salinity hydrothermal fluid as the energy source was assessed. Here, the geotechnical aspects of geothermal power generation and their relationship to environmental impacts in the Imperial Valley of California were investigated. Geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, seismicity and subsidence are discussed in terms of the availability of data, state-of-the-art analytical techniques, historical and technical background and interpretation of current data. Estimates of the impact of these geotechnical factors on the environment in the Imperial Valley, if geothermal development proceeds, are discussed.

Data dictionary and formatting standard for dissemination of geotechnical data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Benoit, J.; Bobbitt, J.I.; Ponti, D.J.; Shimel, S.A.; ,

2004-01-01

A pilot system for archiving and web dissemination of geotechnical data collected and stored by various agencies is currently under development. Part of the scope of this project, sponsored by the Consortium of Organizations for Strong-Motion Observation Systems (COSMOS) and by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) Lifelines Program, is the development of a data dictionary and formatting standard. This paper presents the data model along with the basic structure of the data dictionary tables for this pilot system.

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation of Luke Bombing and Gunnery Range. Geotechnical Report, Lechuguilla Desert, Arizona. Volume I.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-01-20

8217-5000 -150 C KILOETERS , 1 2 V i asagerat- EXPLANATION i SURFICIAL BASIN FILL; Alluvial tans and playa lacustrine deposits; average seismic velocity...Undetermined e Velocity zone I represents alluvial fan deposits and possible playa /lacustrine materials underlying the unconsolidated, thin 1younger...alluvial fan unit (A5y, A5yf). Velocity zone 2 seems to represert older, playa /lacustrine deposits overlying Veloc- ity zone 3, which may be the well

Optimizing Seismic Monitoring Networks for EGS and Conventional Geothermal Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kraft, Toni; Herrmann, Marcus; Bethmann, Falko; Stefan, Wiemer

2013-04-01

In the past several years, geological energy technologies receive growing attention and have been initiated in or close to urban areas. Some of these technologies involve injecting fluids into the subsurface (e.g., oil and gas development, waste disposal, and geothermal energy development) and have been found or suspected to cause small to moderate sized earthquakes. These earthquakes, which may have gone unnoticed in the past when they occurred in remote sparsely populated areas, are now posing a considerable risk for the public acceptance of these technologies in urban areas. The permanent termination of the EGS project in Basel, Switzerland after a number of induced ML~3 (minor) earthquakes in 2006 is one prominent example. It is therefore essential for the future development and success of these geological energy technologies to develop strategies for managing induced seismicity and keeping the size of induced earthquakes at a level that is acceptable to all stakeholders. Most guidelines and recommendations on induced seismicity published since the 1970ies conclude that an indispensable component of such a strategy is the establishment of seismic monitoring in an early stage of a project. This is because an appropriate seismic monitoring is the only way to detect and locate induced microearthquakes with sufficient certainty to develop an understanding of the seismic and geomechanical response of the reservoir to the geotechnical operation. In addition, seismic monitoring lays the foundation for the establishment of advanced traffic light systems and is therefore an important confidence building measure towards the local population and authorities. We have developed an optimization algorithm for seismic monitoring networks in urban areas that allows to design and evaluate seismic network geometries for arbitrary geotechnical operation layouts. The algorithm is based on the D-optimal experimental design that aims to minimize the error ellipsoid of the linearized location problem. Optimization for additional criteria (e.g., focal mechanism determination or installation costs) can be included. We consider a 3D seismic velocity model, an European ambient seismic noise model derived from high-resolution land-use data, and existing seismic stations in the vicinity of the geotechnical site. Additionally, we account for the attenuation of the seismic signal with travel time and ambient seismic noise with depth to be able to correctly deal with borehole station networks. Using this algorithm we are able to find the optimal geometry and size of the seismic monitoring network that meets the predefined application-oriented performance criteria. This talk will focus on optimal network geometries for deep geothermal projects of the EGS and hydrothermal type, and discuss the requirements for basic seismic surveillance and high-resolution reservoir monitoring and characterization.

Rock Slide Monitoring by Using TDR Inclinometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drusa, Marián; Bulko, Roman

2016-12-01

The geotechnical monitoring of the slope deformations is widespread at present time. In many geological localities and civil engineering construction areas, monitoring is a unique tool for controlling of negative factors and processes, also inform us about actual state of rock environment or interacting structures. It is necessary for risk assessment. In our case, geotechnical monitoring is controlling rockslide activity around in the future part of motorway. The construction of new highway route D1 from Bratislava to Košice crosses the territory which is affected by a massive rockslide close to Kraľovany village. There was a need to monitor the activity of a large unstable rockslide with deep shear planes. In this case of underground movement activity, the Department of Geotechnics of the University of Žilina installed inclinometers at the unstable area which worked on Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) principle. Based on provided measurements, effectivity and suitability of TDR inclinometers for monitoring of deep underground movement activity is demonstrated.

In-tank precipitation facility (ITP) and H-Tank Farm (HTF) geotechnical report, WSRC-TR-95-0057, Revision 0, Volume 5

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

A geotechnical study has been completed in H-Area for the In-Tank Precipitation Facility (ITP) and the balance of the H-Area Tank Farm (HTF) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina. The study consisted of subsurface field exploration, field and laboratory testing, and engineering analyses. The purpose of these investigations is to evaluate the overall stability of the H-Area tanks under static and dynamic conditions. The objectives of the study are to define the site-specific geological conditions at ITP and HTF, obtain engineering properties for the assessment of the stability of the native soils and embankment under static andmore » dynamic loads (i.e., slope stability, liquefaction potential, and potential settlements), and derive properties for soil-structure interaction studies. This document (Volume 5) contains the laboratory test results for the In-Tank Precipitation Facility (ITP) and H-Tank Farm (HTF) Geotechnical Report.« less

Determination of Soil Moisture Content using Laboratory Experimental and Field Electrical Resistivity Values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Rosli, S.; Fauziah, A.; Wijeyesekera, D. C.; Ashraf, M. I. M.; Faizal, T. B. M.; Kamarudin, A. F.; Rais, Y.; Dan, M. F. Md; Azhar, A. T. S.; Hafiz, Z. M.

2018-04-01

The efficiency of civil engineering structure require comprehensive geotechnical data obtained from site investigation. In the past, conventional site investigation was heavily related to drilling techniques thus suffer from several limitations such as time consuming, expensive and limited data collection. Consequently, this study presents determination of soil moisture content using laboratory experimental and field electrical resistivity values (ERV). Field and laboratory electrical resistivity (ER) test were performed using ABEM SAS4000 and Nilsson400 soil resistance meter. Soil sample used for resistivity test was tested for characterization test specifically on particle size distribution and moisture content test according to BS1377 (1990). Field ER data was processed using RES2DINV software while laboratory ER data was analyzed using SPSS and Excel software. Correlation of ERV and moisture content shows some medium relationship due to its r = 0.506. Moreover, coefficient of determination, R2 analyzed has demonstrate that the statistical correlation obtain was very good due to its R2 value of 0.9382. In order to determine soil moisture content based on statistical correlation (w = 110.68ρ-0.347), correction factor, C was established through laboratory and field ERV given as 19.27. Finally, this study has shown that soil basic geotechnical properties with particular reference to water content was applicably determined using integration of laboratory and field ERV data analysis thus able to compliment conventional approach due to its economic, fast and wider data coverage.

GPR applications for geotechnical stability of transportation infrastructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benedetto, A.; Benedetto, F.; Tosti, F.

2012-09-01

Nowadays, severe meteorological events are always more frequent all over the world. This causes a strong impact on the environment such as numerous landslides, especially in rural areas. Rural roads are exposed to an increased risk for geotechnical instability. In the meantime, financial resources for maintenance are certainly decreased due to the international crisis and other different domestic factors. In this context, the best allocation of funds becomes a priority: efficiency and effectiveness of plans and actions are crucially requested. For this purpose, the correct localisation of geotechnically instable domains is strategic. In this paper, the use of Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) for geotechnical inspection of pavement and sub-pavement layers is proposed. A three-step protocol has been calibrated and validated to allocate efficiently and effectively the maintenance funds. In the first step, the instability is localised through an inspection at traffic speed using a 1-GHz GPR horn launched antenna. The productivity is generally about or over 300 Km/day. Data are processed offline by automatic procedures. In the second step, a GPR inspection restricted to the critical road sections is carried out using two coupled antennas. One antenna is used for top pavement inspection (1.6 GHz central frequency) and a second antenna (600 MHz central frequency) is used for sub-pavement structure diagnosis. Finally, GPR data are post-processed in the time and frequency domains to identify accurately the geometry of the instability. The case study shows the potentiality of this protocol applied to the rural roads exposed to a landslide.

Risk-based corrective action and brownfields restorations. Geotechnical special publication No. 82

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Benson, C.H.; Meegoda, J.N.; Gilbert, R.G.

Risk-based corrective action (RBCA) and brownfields restoration now play a significant role in contaminated site remediation. RBCA provides the necessary framework for balancing health and environmental risks with costs while targeting the ultimate objective of sensible remediation. Brownfields is a reasonable, economical approach for remediating contaminated land intended for industrial use. This book describes the tools and methods employed in RBCA, and provides illustrative examples through case histories with emphasis on brownfields restorations.

MX Siting Investigation Geotechnical Evaluation Verification Study - Cave Valley, Nevada. Volume I. Synthesis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-26

areas of non- rippable materials may be encountered throughout the northwestern portion of the valley. Laboratory test results and field observations...non- rippable at shallow depths, thereby classifying them in this instance as areas of rock and/or shallow rock. When this occurs, these areas may...OCCUR- Rock is defined as any earth material which is not rippable RING WITHIN 50 FEET 015m) AND by conventional excavation methods. Where available

Geomorphological and geotechnical issues affecting the seismic slope stability of the Duwamish River Delta, Port of Seattle, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, Robert E.; Barnhardt, Walter A.; Palmer, Stephen P.

1999-01-01

Young Holocene deposits of the Duwamish River valley underlie a highly developed transportation-industrial corridor, extending from the City of Kent to the Elliott Bay-Harbor Island marine terminal facilities. The deposits have been shaped by relative sea-level rise, but also by episodic volcanism and seismicity. A geologic and geotechnical investigation of these river-mouth deposits indicates high initial liquefaction susceptibility during earthquakes, and possibly the potential for unlimited-strain disintegrative flow failure of the delta front.

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Verification Study - Ralston Valley, Nevada. Volume II. Geotechnical Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-15

A3d). A4 Playa and Lacustrine Deposits - Deposits occurring in modern, active playas (A4) or in either inactive playas or older lake beds and abandoned...some f ine gravel 2 1 3403 3 4 vertical Smedium usal 2 10 de tnse GRAVELLY SAND,* brown *f ins to coarse, mell graded ,slightly moist ,sub- 12 o... lima 11𔄀-1 5 of ? - nRm NATIONAL, INS. 47 AFV-O1 -3 FN-TR-27-RV PERCENT FINER BY WEIGHT SAMPLE INTERVAL STANDARD SIEVE OPENING U S STAIIOA

Simulating bank erosion over an extended natural sinuous river reach using a universal slope stability algorithm coupled with a morphodynamic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rousseau, Yannick Y.; Van de Wiel, Marco J.; Biron, Pascale M.

2017-10-01

Meandering river channels are often associated with cohesive banks. Yet only a few river modelling packages include geotechnical and plant effects. Existing packages are solely compatible with single-threaded channels, require a specific mesh structure, derive lateral migration rates from hydraulic properties, determine stability based on friction angle, rely on nonphysical assumptions to describe cutoffs, or exclude floodplain processes and vegetation. In this paper, we evaluate the accuracy of a new geotechnical module that was developed and coupled with Telemac-Mascaret to address these limitations. Innovatively, the newly developed module relies on a fully configurable, universal genetic algorithm with tournament selection that permits it (1) to assess geotechnical stability along potentially unstable slope profiles intersecting liquid-solid boundaries, and (2) to predict the shape and extent of slump blocks while considering mechanical plant effects, bank hydrology, and the hydrostatic pressure caused by flow. The profiles of unstable banks are altered while ensuring mass conservation. Importantly, the new stability module is independent of mesh structure and can operate efficiently along multithreaded channels, cutoffs, and islands. Data collected along a 1.5-km-long reach of the semialluvial Medway Creek, Canada, over a period of 3.5 years are used to evaluate the capacity of the coupled model to accurately predict bank retreat in meandering river channels and to evaluate the extent to which the new model can be applied to a natural river reach located in a complex environment. Our results indicate that key geotechnical parameters can indeed be adjusted to fit observations, even with a minimal calibration effort, and that the model correctly identifies the location of the most severely eroded bank regions. The combined use of genetic and spatial analysis algorithms, in particular for the evaluation of geotechnical stability independently of the hydrodynamic mesh, permits the consideration of biophysical conditions for an extended river reach with complex bank geometries, with only a minor increase in run time. Further improvements with respect to plant representation could assist scientists in better understanding channel-floodplain interactions and in evaluating channel designs in river management projects.

Properties of the Loess Sediments in Ostrava Region (Czech Republic) and Comparison with Some Other Loess Sediments

PubMed Central

Marschalko, Marian; Yilmaz, Işık; Fojtova, Lucie; Lamich, David; Bednarik, Martin

2013-01-01

This study deals with a methodical identification and evaluation of physical-mechanical properties of one genetic type of geological structure. This is represented by an engineering-geological zone of eolian sediments, which is regionally rather abundant. The paper contributes to a need to identify typical soil properties for widespread geological environments in a particular region and thus add to good engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers' awareness in the region. Such information is much required as it permits comparing results of newly conducted engineering-geological investigations and research with the results characteristic for the region in question. It is vital for engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers to be sufficiently informed on the foundation soil properties of widespread geological environments because of professionalism and higher quality of their work results. Comparing other loess sediment studies worldwide it was discovered that the physical properties of the most abundant clays of low to medium plasticity, sandy clays, and sands as foundation soils vary as for the plasticity index, porosity, natural water content, and bulk density to a certain extent but not as significantly as once expected. PMID:24391464

The influence of delta formation mechanism on geotechnical property sequence of the late Pleistocene-Holocene sediments in the Mekong River Delta.

PubMed

Hoang, Truong Minh; van Lap, Nguyen; Oanh, Ta Thi Kim; Jiro, Takemura

2016-11-01

The aim of the study was to characterize a variety of microstructure development-levels and geotechnical property sequences of the late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits in the Mekong River delta (MRD), and the paper furthermore discusses the influences of delta formation mechanisms on them. The survey associated the geotechnical engineering and the sedimentary geology of the late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits at five sites and also undifferentiated Pleistocene sediments. A cross-section which was rebuilt in the delta progradation-direction and between the Mekong and Bassac rivers represents the stratigraphy. Each sedimentary unit was formed under a different delta formation mechanism and revealed a typical geotechnical property sequence. The mechanical behaviors of the sediment succession in the tide-dominated delta with significant fluvial-activity and material source tend to be more cohesionless soils and strengths than those in the tide- and wave-dominated delta and even the coast. The particular tendency of the mechanical behavior of the deposit succession can be reasonably estimated from the delta formation mechanism. The characteristics of the clay minerals from the Mekong River produced the argillaceous soil which does not have extremely high plasticity. The microstructure development-levels are low to very high indicating how to choose hydraulic conductivity value, k, for estimating overconsolidation ratio, OCR, by the piezocone penetration tests (CPTU). The OCR of sediments in the delta types strangely change with depth but none less than 1. The post-depositional processes significantly influenced the microstructure development, particularly the dehydrating and oxidizing processes.

Proceedings, Seminar on Probabilistic Methods in Geotechnical Engineering Held at Vicksburg, Mississippi on 21 September 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

al. (1981) was conducted on Copper City No. 2 tailings embankment damn near Miami, Arizona . Due to the extreme topographic relief in the area of the...mode of behavior and scale. ThiL dependency is summarized in the factor R. For example, circular shear instability as in a copper porphyry slope...OF THE PROBABILISTIC SLOPE STABILITY MODEL. . 32 6.1 DESCRIPTION OF COPPER CITY NUMBER 2 TAILINGS DAM . . 32 6.2 SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATION

Geotechnical consulting at the stages of design and full repair: A case study of village school in Minusinsk region, Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalimov, Oleg; Strelnikov, Dmitry

2017-11-01

The article provides an experimental material showing an investigation of soil under the foundations base of a dangerous block of the building. The investigation was carried out by applying load from a stamp on the soil with a jack supporting the foundation base of the deformed building. There were originally offered two options to strengthen the foundation - a broader base and improvement of the soil with the plate. However, quite a different option was accepted due to the full scale tests. The effective way to strengthen the foundation is measures undertaken without strengthening the soil and without increasing the width of the base, using the actual soil with deformations stabilized for years of operation. The strengthening of the bearing brick walls was made by tightening the main face laying with steel channel profiles to make a firm contact with the foundations. The conducted investigation is an example of geotechnical consulting and improvement of the geotechnical maintenance of dangerous structures at the stages of investigation, design and reconstruction.

Comparing geotechnical to geologic estimates for past overburden in the Pierre-Hayes, South Dakota area: an argument for in-situ pressuremeter determination ( USA).

USGS Publications Warehouse

Collins, D.S.; Nichols, T.C.

1987-01-01

A knowledge of past overburden thickness is useful for designing underground structures such as waste repositories. This study attempts to determine if a correlation can be made between a geologic estimate and two types of geotechnical calculations of past overburden thickness. In the Pierre-Hayes area, Late Cretaceous Pierre Shales is the only bedrock present, but clasts of the Miocene Ogallala Formation were found in the Pleistocene deposits, suggesting that rocks of the Ogallala Formation once covered this area. Based on the geologic estimate, the Ogallala surface was 1100 ft higher than the present surface. Of the two types of geotechnical data acquired for the Hayes site, the laboratory overconsolidation ratios indicate a past overburden thickness value of 2300 ft, whereas the in situ pressuremeter overconsolidation ratios indicate 1318 ft. We, therefore, believe that in situ determination is a better indicator of past overburden that the laboratory results. However, why the two test results differ to this degree is unknown at present.-from Authors

Preliminary Geophysical Survey for Assessing the Geotechnical Conditions and Geohazards at Huaca de La Luna, Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavala, G. J.; Lopez, S.; Ebinger, C. J.; Pando, M. A.; Lambert, C.; Morales, R.; Uceda, S.; Perucchio, R.; Castaneda, B.; Aguilar, R.

2014-12-01

This paper presents results of near surface geophysical tests to help assess the geotechnical conditions of the archaeological complex of Huaca de la Luna located near the coastal city of Trujillo, Peru. This area of Peru has experienced damaging earthquakes and tsunamis in historic time. The huaca complex is a massive adobe temple progressively built by the Moche civilization from 100 AD to 650 AD. The geophysical tests carried out included Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetic gradiometer, and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) to help assess geotechnical conditions such as buried cavities and hallways, thickness and elastic properties of sand sediments, and the depth to the underlying granitic bedrock. The tests were performed to help with the investigation of structural damage observed along a massive adobe wall (north façade) which has shown signs of distress including fissures, settlements, and other damage. The geophysical results together with detailed Lidar surveying are being used as part of this investigation and highlight the usefulness of these non-destructive techniques for archaeological and historical sites.

Physical and geotechnical properties and assessment of sediment stability on the continental slope and basin of the Bransfield Basin (Antarctica Peninsula)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Casas, D.; Ercilla, G.; Estrada, F.; Alonso, B.; Baraza, J.; Lee, H.; Kayen, R.; Chiocci, F.

2004-01-01

Our investigation is centred on the continental slope of the Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent basin. Type of sediments, sedimentary stratigraphy, and physical and geotechnical characterization of the sediments have been integrated. Four different types of sediments have been defined: diamictons, silty and muddy turbidites, muddy, silty and muddy matrix embedded clast contourites. There is a close correspondence between the physical properties (density, magnetic susceptibility and p-wave velocity) and the texture and/or fabric as laminations and stratification. From a quantitative point of view, only a few statistical correlations between textural and physical properties have been found. Within the geotechnical properties, only water content is most influenced by texture. This slope, with a maximum gradient observed (20??), is stable, according to the stability under gravitational loading concepts, and the maximum stable slope that would range from 22?? to 29??. Nevertheless, different instability features have been observed. Volcanic activity, bottom currents, glacial loading-unloading or earthquakes can be considered as potential mechanisms to induce instability in this area. Copyright ?? Taylor & Francis Inc.

Investigation on the effect of geometrical and geotechnical parameters on elongated offshore piles using fuzzy inference systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aminfar, Ali; Mojtahedi, Alireza; Ahmadi, Hamid; Aminfar, Mohammad Hossain

2017-06-01

Among numerous offshore structures used in oil extraction, jacket platforms are still the most favorable ones in shallow waters. In such structures, log piles are used to pin the substructure of the platform to the seabed. The pile's geometrical and geotechnical properties are considered as the main parameters in designing these structures. In this study, ANSYS was used as the FE modeling software to study the geometrical and geotechnical properties of the offshore piles and their effects on supporting jacket platforms. For this purpose, the FE analysis has been done to provide the preliminary data for the fuzzy-logic post-process. The resulting data were implemented to create Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) classifications. The resultant data of the sensitivity analysis suggested that the orientation degree is the main factor in the pile's geometrical behavior because piles which had the optimal operational degree of about 5° are more sustained. Finally, the results showed that the related fuzzified data supported the FE model and provided an insight for extended offshore pile designs.

Results of instrument reliability study for high-level nuclear-waste repositories. [Geotechnical parameters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rogue, F.; Binnall, E.P.

1982-10-01

Reliable instrumentation will be needed to monitor the performance of future high-level waste repository sites. A study has been made to assess instrument reliability at Department of Energy (DOE) waste repository related experiments. Though the study covers a wide variety of instrumentation, this paper concentrates on experiences with geotechnical instrumentation in hostile repository-type environments. Manufacturers have made some changes to improve the reliability of instruments for repositories. This paper reviews the failure modes, rates, and mechanisms, along with manufacturer modifications and recommendations for additional improvements to enhance instrument performance. 4 tables.

Stereographic Projection Techniques for Geologists and Civil Engineers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lisle, Richard J.; Leyshon, Peter R.

2004-05-01

An essential tool in the fields of structural geology and geotechnics, stereographic projection allows three-dimensional orientation data to be represented and manipulated. This revised edition presents a basic introduction to the subject with examples, illustrations and exercises that encourage the student to visualize the problems in three dimensions. It will provide students of geology, rock mechanics, and geotechnical and civil engineering with an indispensable guide to the analysis and interpretation of field orientation data. Links to useful web resources and software programs are also provided. First Edition published by Butterworth-Heinemann (1996): 0-750-62450-7

Seismic microzoning in the metropolitan area of Port - au-Prince - complexity of the subsoil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilles, R.; Bertil, D.; Belvaux, M.; Roulle, A.; Noury, G.; Prepetit, C.; Jean-Philippe, J.

2013-12-01

The magnitude 7.3 earthquake that struck Haiti in January 12, 2010 has caused a lot of damages in surrounding areas epicenter. These damages are due to a lack of knowledge of the Haitian subsoil. To overcome this problem, the LNBTP, the BME and BRGM have agreed to implement a project of seismic microzonation of the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince which is financed by the Fund for the reconstruction of the country. The seismic microzonation is an important tool for knowledge of seismic risk. It is based on a collection of geological, geotechnical, geophysical and measures and recognition and the campaign of numerous sites. It describes a class of specific soils with associated spectral response. The objective of the microzoning is to identify and map the homogeneous zones of lithology, topography, liquefaction and ground movements. The zoning of lithological sites effect is to identify and map areas with geological and geomechanical consistent and homogeneous seismic response; the objective is to provide, in each area, seismic movements adapted to the ground. This zoning is done in about five steps: 1- Cross-analysis of geological, geotechnical and geophysical information; 2- Such information comprise the existing data collected and the data acquired during the project; 3- Identification of homogeneous areas. 4- Definition of one or more columns of representative soils associated with each zone; 5 - Possible consolidation of area to get the final seismic zoning. 27 zones types were considered for the study of sites effects after the analysis of all geological, geotechnical and geophysical data. For example, for the formation of Delmas, there are 5 areas with soil classes ranging from D to C. Soil columns described in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince are processed with the CyberQuake software, which is developed at the BRGM by Modaressi et al. in 1997, to calculate their response to seismic rock solicitation. The seismic motion is determined by 4 accelerograms (2 real and 2 altered real) having a spectral response close to the spectrum of acceleration to the rock. In sum, the seismic microzoning presents a better perspective for the preparation of the plan for the prevention of seismic risk (PPRS) and for the establishment of seismic rules in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.

A contactless positioning system for monitoring discontinuities in three dimensions with geological and geotechnical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rinaldi-Montes, Natalia; Rowberry, Matt; Frontera, Carlos; BaroÅ, Ivo; Garcés, Javier; Blahůt, Jan; Pérez-López, Raúl; Pennos, Christos; Martí, Xavi

2017-07-01

In this paper, a contactless positioning system is presented which has been designed to monitor the kinematic behavior of mechanical discontinuities in three dimensions. The positioning system comprises a neodymium magnet, fixed on one side of a discontinuity, and a magnetoresistive sensing array, fixed on the opposing side. Each of the anisotropic magnetoresistive sensors in the sensing array records the magnetic field along three orthogonal directions. The positioning system intrinsically generates compact data packages which are transmitted effectively using a range of standard wireless telecommunication technologies. These data are then modeled using a global least squares fitting procedure in which the adjustable parameters are represented by the position and orientation of the neodymium magnet. The instrumental resolution of the positioning system can be tuned depending on the strength of the magnetic field generated by the neodymium magnet and the distance between the neodymium magnet and the magnetoresistive sensing array. For a typical installation, the displacement resolution is shown to be circa 10 μm while the rotation resolution is circa 0.1°. The first permanently deployed positioning system was established in June 2016 to monitor the behavior of an N-S trending fault located at the contact between the eastern Alps and the Vienna Basin. The robust design of the positioning system is demonstrated by the fact that no interruptions in the broadcasted data streams have occurred since its installation. It has a range of potential applications in many areas of basic and applied research including geology, geotechnical engineering, and structural health monitoring.

Application of Physically based landslide susceptibility models in Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho Vieira, Bianca; Martins, Tiago D.

2017-04-01

Shallow landslides and floods are the processes responsible for most material and environmental damages in Brazil. In the last decades, some landslides events induce a high number of deaths (e.g. Over 1000 deaths in one event) and incalculable social and economic losses. Therefore, the prediction of those processes is considered an important tool for land use planning tools. Among different methods the physically based landslide susceptibility models having been widely used in many countries, but in Brazil it is still incipient when compared to other ones, like statistical tools and frequency analyses. Thus, the main objective of this research was to assess the application of some Physically based landslide susceptibility models in Brazil, identifying their main results, the efficiency of susceptibility mapping, parameters used and limitations of the tropical humid environment. In order to achieve that, it was evaluated SHALSTAB, SINMAP and TRIGRS models in some studies in Brazil along with the Geotechnical values, scales, DEM grid resolution and the results based on the analysis of the agreement between predicted susceptibility and the landslide scar's map. Most of the studies in Brazil applied SHALSTAB, SINMAP and to a lesser extent the TRIGRS model. The majority researches are concentrated in the Serra do Mar mountain range, that is a system of escarpments and rugged mountains that extends more than 1,500 km along the southern and southeastern Brazilian coast, and regularly affected by heavy rainfall that generates widespread mass movements. Most part of these studies used conventional topographic maps with scales ranging from 1:2000 to 1:50000 and DEM-grid resolution between 2 and 20m. Regarding the Geotechnical and hydrological values, a few studies use field collected data which could produce more efficient results, as indicated by international literature. Therefore, even though they have enormous potential in the susceptibility mapping, even for comparison purposes between different areas, the studies in Brazil require more detailed consideration on the input of topographic and Geotechnical parameters.

SIG Contribution in the Making of Geotechnical Maps in Urban Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monteiro, António; Pais, Luís Andrade; Rodrigues, Carlos; Carvalho, Paulo

2017-10-01

The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has spread to several science areas, from oceanography to geotechnics. Its application in the urban mapping was intensified in the last century, which allowed a great development, due to the use of geographic database, new analysis tools and, more recently, free open source software. Geotechnical cartography struggle with a permanent and large environment re-organization in urban area, due to new building construction, trenching and the drilling of sampling wells and holes. This creates an extra important and largest volume of data at any pre-existence geological map. The main problem results on the fact that the natural environment is covered with buildings and communications system. The purpose of this work is to create a viable geographic information base for geotechnical mapping through a free GIS computer program and open source, with non-traditional cartographic sources, giving preference to open platforms. QGIS was used as software and “Google Maps”, “Bing Maps” and “OpenStreetMap” were applied as cartographic sources using the “OpenLayers plugin” module. Finally, we also pretend to identify and delimit the degree of granite’s change and fracturing areas using a “Streetview” platform. This model has cartographic input which are a geological map study area, open cartographic web archives and the use of “Streetview” platform. The output has several layouts, such as topography intersection (roads, borders, etc.), with geological map and the bordering area of Guarda Urban Zone. The use of this platform types decrease the collect data time and, sometimes, a careful observation of pictures that were taken during excavations may reveal important details for geological mapping in the study area.

Overview of landslide problems, research, and mitigation, Cincinnati, Ohio, area

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baum, Rex L.; Johnson, Arvid M.

1996-01-01

Landslides cause much damage to property throughout the metropolitan area of Cincinnati, Ohio. Most landslides occur in unconsolidated deposits, including colluvium, till, glacial lake clays, and man-made fill derived from colluvium and glacial deposits. Landslides in thin colluvium are widespread on steeper slopes that wall the valleys of the Ohio River and its tributaries. Abundant landslides also form in thick colluvium on flatter slopes, especially where the colluvium has been disturbed by earthwork. Unusual block glides and block-extrusion glides form where till rests on lake clay. Through the years, knowledge of the distribution and causes of landslides has increased as a result of many investigations. This knowledge became part of the basis for landslide mitigation programs adopted by the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio. In 1974 the Cincinnati City Council passed an excavation and fill ordinance to help reduce landslide damage in areas of new construction. In 1989 following much additional study, Cincinnati created a geotechnical office within its Department of Public Works. The office, which is staffed by a geotechnical engineer, an engineering geologist, and two technicians, carries out a mitigation program. Since 1989, members of the geotechnical staff have worked in several ways to reduce landslide damage in the city; their work includes engineering-geologic mapping of selected parts of the city, inspection of retaining walls that impact public right-of-way, review of proposed construction in hillside areas, inspecting and arranging for repair of landslide areas that affect city property, and compiling geologic and geotechnical data on landslide areas within the city. In 1990, Hamilton County also adopted an excavation and fill ordinance to help reduce the damage due to landslides in areas of new construction.

Mining method selection by integrated AHP and PROMETHEE method.

PubMed

Bogdanovic, Dejan; Nikolic, Djordje; Ilic, Ivana

2012-03-01

Selecting the best mining method among many alternatives is a multicriteria decision making problem. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the implementation of an integrated approach that employs AHP and PROMETHEE together for selecting the most suitable mining method for the "Coka Marin" underground mine in Serbia. The related problem includes five possible mining methods and eleven criteria to evaluate them. Criteria are accurately chosen in order to cover the most important parameters that impact on the mining method selection, such as geological and geotechnical properties, economic parameters and geographical factors. The AHP is used to analyze the structure of the mining method selection problem and to determine weights of the criteria, and PROMETHEE method is used to obtain the final ranking and to make a sensitivity analysis by changing the weights. The results have shown that the proposed integrated method can be successfully used in solving mining engineering problems.

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Volume IV. Nevada - Utah Verification Studies, FY 79. Geotechnical Data Hamlin CDP, Nevada.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-08-24

5.0 GRAVITY DATA 6.0 BORING LOGS 7.0 TRENCH AND TEST PIT LOGS 8.0 SURFICIAL SAMPLE LOGS 9.0 LABORATORY TEST RESULTS DRAWINGS IN POCKET 1 ACTIVITY...IV ELECTRODE SPACING - AS/2 ( METERIS ) 5 10 20 40 so 80 100 400 - , - - - 200 ____ _ _ _ _ - 100 II 80 ~as 40 46 2I0 leil 110 20 40 30 60 100 200 400...DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE - SAISO 441.9 2LDm NATIONAL, INC-L2 JUL 79 AFV-18 SECTION 5.0 GRAVITY DATA- FN-TR-27-IV -EXPLANATIONS OF GRAVITY DATA

3D subsurface geological modeling using GIS, remote sensing, and boreholes data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kavoura, Katerina; Konstantopoulou, Maria; Kyriou, Aggeliki; Nikolakopoulos, Konstantinos G.; Sabatakakis, Nikolaos; Depountis, Nikolaos

2016-08-01

The current paper presents the combined use of geological-geotechnical insitu data, remote sensing data and GIS techniques for the evaluation of a subsurface geological model. High accuracy Digital Surface Model (DSM), airphotos mosaic and satellite data, with a spatial resolution of 0.5m were used for an othophoto base map compilation of the study area. Geological - geotechnical data obtained from exploratory boreholes and the 1:5000 engineering geological maps were digitized and implemented in a GIS platform for a three - dimensional subsurface model evaluation. The study is located at the North part of Peloponnese along the new national road.

Geotechnical Monitoring of the Automobile Road

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsiy, Vladimir

2017-12-01

In the present article, the results of geotechnical monitoring of A-147 automobile road “Dzhubga-Sochi” are given. Some sections of the automobile road suffered from the landslide adjustment movements; it resulted in many deformations of the retaining structures, the damages of the roadbed and ground crawling over the retaining walls. The observation data made it possible to specify the borders of the active landslide and to form a forecast of the landslide activity in the sections of the automobile roads. Due to monitoring being carried out, there was substantiated the necessity to correct the service forms and records connected with the automobile road reconstruction.

Nondestructive laboratory measurement of geotechnical and geoacoustic properties through intact core-liner

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, R.E.; Edwards, B.D.; Lee, H.J.

1999-01-01

High-resolution automated measurement of the geotechnical and geoacoustic properties of soil at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is performed with a state-of-the-art multi-sensor whole-core logging device. The device takes measurements, directly through intact sample-tube wall, of p-wave acoustic velocity, of soil wet bulk density, and magnetic susceptibility. This paper summarizes our methodology for determining soil-sound speed and wet-bulk density for material encased in an unsplit liner. Our methodology for nondestructive measurement allows for rapid, accurate, and high-resolution (1 cm-spaced) mapping of the mass physical properties of soil prior to sample extrusion.

Studies on geotechnical properties of subsoil in south east coastal region of India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Susom; Barik, D. K.

2017-11-01

Soil testing and analysis has become essential before commencement of any activity or process on soil i.e. residential construction, road construction etc. It is the most important work particularly in coastal area as these areas are more vulnerable to the natural disastrous like tsunami and cyclone. In India, there is lack of facility to collect and analyse the soil from the field. Hence, to study the various characteristics of the coastal region sub soil, Old Mahabalipuram area, which is the South East region of India has been chosen in this study. The aim of this study is to collect and analyse the soil sample from various localities of the Old Mahabalipuram area. The analysed soil data will be helpful for the people who are working in the field of Geotechnical in coastal region of India to make decision. The soil sample collected from different boreholes have undergone various field and laboratory tests like Pressuremeter Test, Field Permeability Test, Electrical Resistivity Test, Standard Penetration Test, Shear Test, Atterberg Limits etc. are performed including rock tests to know the geotechnical properties of the soil samples for each and every stratum

Geotechnical and mineralogical characteristics of marl deposits in Jordan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaqour, Fathi M.; Jarrar, Ghaleb; Hencher, Steve; Kuisi, Mostafa

2008-10-01

Marls and marly limestone deposits cover most of Northern Jordan, where Amman City and its suburbs are located. These deposits serve as foundations for most buildings and roads as well as fill material for structural back filling, especially road bases and sub-bases. The present study aims at investigating the geotechnical characteristics and mineral composition of the marl units of these deposits through field investigations and laboratory testing. Using X-ray diffraction technique along with chemical analysis, representative samples of marl horizons were tested for mineral composition, and for a set of index and geotechnical properties including: specific gravity, grain size, Atterberg limits, Proctor compaction and shear strength properties. The test results show a positive linear relationship as expected between the clay content and both liquid and plastic limits. The tests results also show an inverse linear relationship between the clay content and the maximum dry density in both standard and modified compaction. This is attributed to the adsorption of water by the clay minerals. The relationship is more prominent in the case of modified compaction test. The results also indicate a similar relationship for the angle of internal friction. No clear correlation between cohesion and clay content was apparent.

JSC-1: Lunar Simulant of Choice for Geotechnical Applications and Oxygen Production

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, Lawrence A.; Hill, Eddy; Liu, Yang; Day, James M. D.

2005-01-01

Lunar simulant JSC-1 was produced as the result of a workshop held in 1991 to evaluate the status of simulated lunar material and to make recommendations on future requirements and production of such material (McKay et al., 1991). JSC-1 was prepared from a welded tuff that was mined, crushed, and sized from the Pleistocene San Francisco volcanic field, northern Arizona. As the initial production of approxiamtely 12,300kgs is nearly depleted, new production has commenced. The mineralogy and chemical properties of JSC-1 are described in McKay et al. (1994) and Hill et al. (this volume); description of its geotechnical properties appears in Klosky et al. (1996). Although other lunar-soil simulants have been produced (e.g., MLS-1: Weiblen et al., 1990; Desai et al., 1992; Chua et al., 1994), they have not been as well standardized as JSC-I; this makes it difficult to standardize results from tests performed on these simulants. Here, we provide an overview of the composition, mineralogy, strength and deformation properties, and potential uses of JSC-1 and outline why it is presently the 'lunar simulant of choice' for geotechnical applications and as a proxy for lunar-oxygen production.

Construction of high-rise buildings in the Far East of Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudryavtsev, Sergey; Bugunov, Semen; Pogulyaeva, Evgeniya; Peters, Anastasiya; Kotenko, Zhanna; Grigor'yev, Danil

2018-03-01

The construction of high-rise buildings on plate foundation in geotechnical conditions of the Russian Far East is a complicated problem. In this respect foundation engineering becomes rather essential. In order to set a firm foundation it is necessary to take into account the pressure distribution at the structure base, in homogeneity of building deformation, which is due to collaborative geotechnical calculations complicated by a number of factors: actual over-placement of soils, the complex geometry of the building under construction, spatial work of the foundation ground with consideration for physical nonlinearity, the influence of the stiffness of the superstructure (reinforced concrete framing) upon the development of foundation deformations, foundation performance (the performance of the bed plate under the building and stairwells), the origination of internal forces in the superstructure with differential settlement. The solution of spatial problems regarding the mutual interaction between buildings and foundations with account of the factors mentioned above is fully achievable via the application of numerical modeling methodology. The work makes a review of the results of high-rise plate building numerical modeling in geotechnical conditions of the Russian Far East by way of the example of Khabarovsk city.

Experimental Study on Vacuum Dynamic Consolidation Treatment of Soft Soil Foundation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu-lai, Ni; Xin, Wen; Xiao-bin, Zhang; Wei, Li

2017-11-01

In view of the deficiency of the saturated silt clay foundation reinforced by the dynamic consolidation method, combination the project of soft foundation treatment test area in Tangshan, the reaserch analysed indexes, included groundwater level, pore water pressure, settlement about soil layer and so on, by use of field tests and indoor geotechnical tests, The results showed that the whole reinforcement effect with vacuum dynamic compaction method to blow fill foundation is obvious, due to the result of vacuum precipitation, generally, the excess pore water pressure can be dissipated by 90% above in 2 days around and the effective compaction coefficient can reached more than 0.9,the research work in soft foundation treatment engineering provide a new method and thought to similar engineering.

The Vaiont Slide. A Geotechnical Analysis Based on New Geologic Observations of the Failure Surface. Volume 2. Appendices A through G

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-06-01

Al B , STATIC SLOPE ANALYSIS METHOD USED FOR THE WAONT SLIDE -ANALYSES~ty D. L. Anderson ................................... B1 C SECTIONS,,USED...years 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963 are given in this appendix in Tables Al , A2, A3 and A4, respectively. These were supplied through the courtesy of E.N.E.L...Tables Table Al . Daily precipitation record, Erto - 1960 Table A2. Daily precipitation record, Erto - 1961 Table A3. Daily precipitation record, Erto

Wave field features of shallow vertical discontinuity and their application in non-destructive detection

USGS Publications Warehouse

Liu, J.; Xia, J.; Luo, Y.; Chen, C.; Li, X.; Huang, Y.

2007-01-01

The geotechnical integrity of critical infrastructure can be seriously compromised by the presence of fractures or crevices. Non-destructive techniques to accurately detect fractures in critical infrastructure such as dams and highways could be of significant benefit to the geotechnical industry. This paper investigates the application of shallow seismic and georadar methods to the detection of a vertical discontinuity using numerical simulations. The objective is to address the kinematical analysis of a vertical discontinuity, determine the resulting wave field characteristics, and provide the basis for determining the existence of vertical discontinuities based on the recorded signals. Simulation results demonstrate that: (1) A reflection from a vertical discontinuity produces a hyperbolic feature on a seismic or georadar profile; (2) In order for a reflection from a vertical discontinuity to be produced, a reflecting horizon below the discontinuity must exist, the offset between source and receiver (x0) must be non-zero, on the same side of the vertical discontinuity; (3) The range of distances from the vertical discontinuity where a reflection event is observed is proportional to its length and to x0; (4) Should the vertical crevice (or fracture) pass through a reflecting horizon, dual hyperbolic features can be observed on the records, and this can be used as a determining factor that the vertical crevice passes through the interface; and (5) diffractions from the edges of the discontinuity can be recorded with relatively smaller amplitude than reflections and their ranges are not constrained by the length of discontinuity. If the length of discontinuity is short enough, diffractions are the dominant feature. Real-world examples show that the shallow seismic reflection method and the georadar method are capable of recording the hyperbolic feature, which can be interpreted as vertical discontinuity. Thus, these methods show some promise as effective non-destructive detection methods for locating vertical discontinuities (e.g., fractures or crevices) in infrastructure such as dams and highway pavement. ?? 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Subsurface exploration using bucket auger borings and down-hole geologic inspection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scullin, C.M.

1994-03-01

The down-hole geologic inspection of 24 in. bucket auger borings has been a hands-on technique for collecting valuable geologic structural and lithologic detail in southern California investigations for over 35 yr. Although it has been used for all types of investigations for hillside urban development, it is of particular benefit in landslide investigations and evaluations. The benefits of down-hole geologic inspection during detailed mapping of large landslide complexes with multiple slide planes are discussed in this paper. Many of the geotechnical investigations of these massive landslide complexes have been very limited in their determinations of accurate landslide parameters and verymore » deficient in proper engineering analysis while based upon this limited data. This has resulted in many cases where the geotechnical consultant erroneously concludes that ancient landslides don't move and it is all right to build upon them, even though they have neither justified the landslide parameters, nor the slope stability or safety. Because this author and the many consultants contacted during the preparation of this paper were not aware of other publications regarding this method of collecting detailed geologic data, this author included the safety considerations, safety equipment, the cost and the Cal OSHA requirements for entering exploration shafts.« less

Two treatment methods for stormwater sediments--pilot plant and landfarming--and reuse of the treated sediments in civil engineering.

PubMed

Petavy, F; Ruban, V; Conil, P; Viau, J Y; Auriol, J C

2009-07-01

The aim of this research was to present a pilot plant for the treatment of stormwater sediments and to compare the decontamination rate to that obtained by landfarming. The possibilities for reuse of the treated sediments in civil engineering are also studied. Four sediments from retention/infiltration ponds or from street sweeping were studied. In each case organic matter (OM), total hydrocarbons (TH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured. Geotechnical tests were carried out to evaluate the reuse possibilities of the treated sediments. Treatment by means of the pilot plant was efficient at reducing TH and PAH concentrations: THs were reduced by 53-97% and PAHs were decreased by 60-95%. By comparison, a reduction of 45-75% in TH concentration is obtained with landfarming, whereas there is no significant decrease in PAHs. Furthermore, geotechnical tests showed that the treated fractions from the pilot plant can be reused as road embankments and as a capping layer. These results are most encouraging and show that stormwater sediments can valuably be reused after treatment in a pilot plant. Landfarming is less efficient but this technique could be used as a pretreatment in the case of high TH pollution.

Maps and documentation of seismic CPT soundings in the central, eastern, and western United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holzer, Thomas L.; Noce, Thomas E.; Bennett, Michael J.

2010-01-01

Nine hundred twenty seven seismic cone penetration tests (CPT) in a variety of geologic deposits and geographic locations were conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) primarily between 1998 and 2008 for the purpose of collecting penetration test data to evaluate the liquefaction potential of different types of surficial geologic deposits (table 1). The evaluation is described in Holzer and others (in press). This open-file report summarizes the seismic CPT and geotechnical data that were collected for the evaluation, outlines the general conditions under which the data were acquired, and briefly describes the geographic location of each study area and local geologic conditions. This report also describes the field methods used to obtain the seismic CPT data and summarizes the results of shear-wave velocities measurements at 2-m intervals in each sounding. Although the average depth of the 927 soundings was 18.5 m, we estimated a time-averaged shear-wave velocity to depths of 20 m and 30 m, VS20 and VS30, respectively, for soundings deeper than 10 m and 20 m. Soil sampling also was selectively conducted in many of the study areas at representative seismic CPT soundings. These data are described and laboratory analyses of geotechnical properties of these samples are summarized in table 2.

Study of Sedimentary Outcrop of Semanggol Formation with the Correlation of Geology, Geotechnical and Geophysics Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordiana, A. N.; Nordiana, M. M.; Jia, Teoh Ying; Hisham, Hazrul; Sulaiman, Nabila; Maslinda, Umi; Taqiuddin, Z. M.; Nur Amalina, M. K. A.; Afiq Saharudin, Muhamad

2017-04-01

The study location was at Bukit Kukus, Kuala Ketil, Kedah, Malaysia where the geological outcrop of this Semanggol Formation comprises of chert, mudstone, and volcanic tuff. The study was conducted using two geophysical methods, which are 2-D Resistivity and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The objectives of the study are to correlate both of the geophysical methods through the value of conductivity and to identify the physical properties of rocks through the value of porosity and permeability. The data acquisition for both methods was conducted on the same line. For 2-D Resistivity method, the length of the line is 60 m with 1.5 m electrode spacing and the array used was Wenner-Schlumberger. For GPR method, the survey line was on top of the resistivity line, and the frequency of the antenna used is 250 MHz. A good correlation exists between both of the GPR signature and contour maps for resistivity from the surfer 10 software with the outcrop feature. Conductivity value from both GPR and Resistivity method was compared and the range value of conductivity obtained from GPR method almost equivalent with Resistivity method based on derivation and calculation for the sedimentary rocks, which are 0.037 to 0.574 miliSiemens per metre (mS/m) for chert and 0.186 to 10.142 miliSiemens per metre (mS/m) for mudstone. Two types of rock samples were taken, and several geotechnical tests were conducted, but only the value of permeability, K and porosity, ɸ of chert can be calculated, which are 1.95E-22 m2 (original condition) and 2.27E-22 m2 (dry condition) and 3 percent respectively as the sample of mudstone was damaged. The parameter of the 2-D resistivity method derived from Archie’s law was used to calculate the porosity, ɸf value using the Formation Factor equation. The range values of porosity, ɸf for chert mostly in the range of 5 to 25 percent, which is 6.26 to 13.36 percent but slightly out of range for mudstone, which is 14.12 to 36.02 percent.

Estimation of the Heat Balance of the Liquid Hydrocarbons Evaporation Process from the Open Surface During Geotechnical Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zemenkova, M. Yu; Zemenkov, Yu D.

2016-10-01

Researchers in Tyumen State Oil and Gas University (TSOGU) have conducted a complex research of the heat and mass transfer processes and thermophysical properties of hydrocarbons, taking into account their impact on the reliability and safety of the hydrocarbon transport and storage processes. It has been shown that the thermodynamic conditions on the surface and the color of oil influence the degree of temperature rise in the upper layers of oil when exposed to direct solar radiation. In order to establish the nature of solar radiation impact on the surface temperature the experimental studies were conducted in TSOGU on the hydrocarbon evaporation and the temperature change of various petroleum and petroleum products on the free surface with varying degrees of thermal insulation of the side walls and bottom of the vessel.

Maglev guideway route alignment and right-of-way requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlton, S.; Andriola, T.

1992-12-01

The use of existing rights-of-way (ROW) is assessed for maglev systems by estimating trip times and land acquisition requirements for potential maglev corridors while meeting passenger comfort limits. Right-of-way excursions improve trip time but incur a cost for purchasing land. The final report documents findings of the eight tasks in establishing right-of-way feasibility by examining three city-pair corridors in detail and developing an approximation method for estimating route length and travel times in 20 additional city-pair corridor portions and 21 new corridors. The use of routes independent of existing railroad or highway right-of-way have trip time advantages and significantly reduce the need for aggressive guideway geometries on intercity corridors. Selection of the appropriate alignment is determined by many corridor specific issues. Use of existing intercity rights-of-way may be appropriate for parts of routes on a corridor-specific basis and for urban penetration where vehicle speeds are likely to be reduced by policy due to noise and safety considerations, and where land acquisition costs are high. Detailed aspects of available rights-of-way, land acquisition costs, geotechnical issues, land use, and population centers must be examined in more detail on a specific corridor basis before the proper or best maglev alignment can be chosen.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ho, Sa V.; Athmer, C.J.; Sheridan, P.W.

Contamination in low permeability soils poses a significant technical challenge to in-situ remediation efforts. Poor accessibility to the contaminants and difficulty in delivery of treatment reagents have rendered existing in-situ treatments such as bioremediation, vapor extraction, pump and treat rather ineffective when applied to low permeability soils present at many contaminated sites. This technology is an integrated in-situ treatment in which established geotechnical methods are used to install degradation zones directly in the contaminated W and electro-osmosis is utilized to move the contaminants back and forth through those zones until the treatment is completed. This topical report summarizes the resultsmore » of the lab and pilot sized Lasagna{trademark} experiments conducted at Monsanto. Experiments were conducted with kaofinite and an actual Paducah soil in units ranging from bench-scale containing kg-quantity of soil to pilot-scale containing about half a ton of soil having various treatment zone configurations. The obtained data support the feasibility of scaling up this technology with respect to electrokinetic parameters as well as removal of organic contaminants. A mathematical model was developed that was successful in predicting the temperature rises in the soil. The information and experience gained from these experiments along with the modeling effort enabled us to successfully design and operate a larger field experiment at a DOE TCE-contaminated clay site.« less

Geologic logs of geotechnical cores from the subsurface Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maier, Katherine L.; Ponti, Daniel J.; Tinsley, John C.; Gatti, Emma; Pagenkopp, Mark

2014-01-01

This report presents and summarizes descriptive geologic logs of geotechnical cores collected from 2009–12 in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California, by the California Department of Water Resources. Graphic logs are presented for 1,785.7 ft of retained cores from 56 borehole sites throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Most core sections are from a depth of ~100–200 feet. Cores primarily contain mud, silt, and sand lithologies. Tephra (volcanic ash and pumice), paleosols, and gravels are also documented in some core sections. Geologic observations contained in the core logs in this report provide stratigraphic context for subsequent sampling and data for future chronostratigraphic subsurface correlations.

Geotechnical applications of CCPs in Wisconsin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Edil, T.C.; Benson, C.H.

2006-07-01

The article reports research case histories on applications of coal combustion products (CCPs) in Wisconsin developed by the University of Wisconsin Consortium for Fly Ash Use in Geotechnical Applications (FAUGA). Fly ash was used to stabilize poor soils during construction of Wisconsin State Highway (STH) 60, and bottom ash was used as a granular working platform. Long term performance is proving good. Nearly all Class C fly ash in Wisconsin is now used in construction. Leaching characteristics of pavements incorporating fly ash are being monitored by pan lysimeters underneath. A computer model, WiscLEACH has been developed to predict the maximummore » concentration of chemicals in ground water adjacent to roadways using CCPs. 1 photo.« less

Quantifying the Impact of Additional Laboratory Tests on the Quality of a Geomechanical Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fillion, Marie-Hélène; Hadjigeorgiou, John

2017-05-01

In an open-pit mine operation, the design of safe and economically viable slopes can be significantly influenced by the quality and quantity of collected geomechanical data. In several mining jurisdictions, codes and standards are available for reporting exploration data, but similar codes or guidelines are not formally available or enforced for geotechnical design. Current recommendations suggest a target level of confidence in the rock mass properties used for slope design. As these guidelines are qualitative and somewhat subjective, questions arise regarding the minimum number of tests to perform in order to reach the proposed level of confidence. This paper investigates the impact of defining a priori the required number of laboratory tests to conduct on rock core samples based on the geomechanical database of an operating open-pit mine in South Africa. In this review, to illustrate the process, the focus is on uniaxial compressive strength properties. Available strength data for 2 project stages were analysed using the small-sampling theory and the confidence interval approach. The results showed that the number of specimens was too low to obtain a reliable strength value for some geotechnical domains even if more specimens than the minimum proposed by the ISRM suggested methods were tested. Furthermore, the testing sequence used has an impact on the minimum number of specimens required. Current best practice cannot capture all possibilities regarding the geomechanical property distributions, and there is a demonstrated need for a method to determine the minimum number of specimens required while minimising the influence of the testing sequence.

Geotechnical characterization of mined clay from Appalachian Ohio: challenges and implications for the clay mining industry.

PubMed

Moran, Anthony R; Hettiarachchi, Hiroshan

2011-07-01

Clayey soil found in coal mines in Appalachian Ohio is often sold to landfills for constructing Recompacted Soil Liners (RSL) in landfills. Since clayey soils possess low hydraulic conductivity, the suitability of mined clay for RSL in Ohio is first assessed by determining its clay content. When soil samples are tested in a laboratory, the same engineering properties are typically expected for the soils originated from the same source, provided that the testing techniques applied are standard, but mined clay from Appalachian Ohio has shown drastic differences in particle size distribution depending on the sampling and/or laboratory processing methods. Sometimes more than a 10 percent decrease in the clay content is observed in the samples collected at the stockpiles, compared to those collected through reverse circulation drilling. This discrepancy poses a challenge to geotechnical engineers who work on the prequalification process of RSL material as it can result in misleading estimates of the hydraulic conductivity of the samples. This paper describes a laboratory investigation conducted on mined clay from Appalachian Ohio to determine how and why the standard sampling and/or processing methods can affect the grain-size distributions. The variation in the clay content was determined to be due to heavy concentrations of shale fragments in the clayey soils. It was also concluded that, in order to obtain reliable grain size distributions from the samples collected at a stockpile of mined clay, the material needs to be processed using a soil grinder. Otherwise, the samples should be collected through drilling.

River embankment characterization: The joint use of geophysical and geotechnical techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perri, Maria Teresa; Boaga, Jacopo; Bersan, Silvia; Cassiani, Giorgio; Cola, Simonetta; Deiana, Rita; Simonini, Paolo; Patti, Salvatore

2014-11-01

Recent flood events in Northern Italy (particularly in the Veneto Region) have brought river embankments into the focus of public attention. Many of these embankments are more than 100 years old and have been repeatedly repaired, so that detailed information on their current structure is generally missing. The monitoring of these structures is currently based, for the most part, on visual inspection and localized measurements of the embankment material parameters. However, this monitoring is generally insufficient to ensure an adequate safety level against floods. For these reasons there is an increasing demand for fast and accurate investigation methods, such as geophysical techniques. These techniques can provide detailed information on the subsurface structures, are non-invasive, cost-effective, and faster than traditional methods. However, they need verification in order to provide reliable results, particularly in complex and reworked man-made structures such as embankments. In this paper we present a case study in which three different geophysical techniques have been applied: electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Two test sites have been selected, both located in the Province of Venice (NE Italy) where the Tagliamento River has large embankments. The results obtained with these techniques have been calibrated against evidence resolving from geotechnical investigations. The pros and cons of each technique, as well as their relative merit at identifying the specific features of the embankments in this area, are highlighted. The results demonstrate that geophysical techniques can provide very valuable information for embankment characterization, provided that the data interpretation is constrained via direct evidence, albeit limited in space.

Geotechnical Characterization of Mined Clay from Appalachian Ohio: Challenges and Implications for the Clay Mining Industry

PubMed Central

Moran, Anthony R.; Hettiarachchi, Hiroshan

2011-01-01

Clayey soil found in coal mines in Appalachian Ohio is often sold to landfills for constructing Recompacted Soil Liners (RSL) in landfills. Since clayey soils possess low hydraulic conductivity, the suitability of mined clay for RSL in Ohio is first assessed by determining its clay content. When soil samples are tested in a laboratory, the same engineering properties are typically expected for the soils originated from the same source, provided that the testing techniques applied are standard, but mined clay from Appalachian Ohio has shown drastic differences in particle size distribution depending on the sampling and/or laboratory processing methods. Sometimes more than a 10 percent decrease in the clay content is observed in the samples collected at the stockpiles, compared to those collected through reverse circulation drilling. This discrepancy poses a challenge to geotechnical engineers who work on the prequalification process of RSL material as it can result in misleading estimates of the hydraulic conductivity of the samples. This paper describes a laboratory investigation conducted on mined clay from Appalachian Ohio to determine how and why the standard sampling and/or processing methods can affect the grain-size distributions. The variation in the clay content was determined to be due to heavy concentrations of shale fragments in the clayey soils. It was also concluded that, in order to obtain reliable grain size distributions from the samples collected at a stockpile of mined clay, the material needs to be processed using a soil grinder. Otherwise, the samples should be collected through drilling. PMID:21845150

Numerical Modelling of Rayleigh Wave Propagation in Course of Rapid Impulse Compaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbut, Aneta; Rybak, Jarosław

2017-10-01

As the soil improvement technologies are the area of a rapid development, they require designing and implementing novel methods of control and calibration in order to ensure the safety of geotechnical works. At Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (Poland), these new methods are continually developed with the aim to provide the appropriate tools for the preliminary design of work process, as well as for the further ongoing on-site control of geotechnical works (steel sheet piling, pile driving or soil improvement technologies). The studies include preliminary numerical simulations and field tests concerning measurements and continuous histogram recording of shocks and vibrations and its ground-born dynamic impact on engineering structures. The impact of vibrations on reinforced concrete and masonry structures in the close proximity of the construction site may be destroying in both architectural and structural meaning. Those limits are juxtaposed in codes of practice, but always need an individual judgment. The results and observations make it possible to delineate specific modifications to the parameters of technology applied (e.g. hammer drop height). On the basis of numerous case studies of practical applications, already summarized and published, we were able to formulate the guidelines for work on the aforementioned sites. This work presents specific aspects of the active design (calibration of building site numerical model) by means of technology calibration, using the investigation of the impact of vibrations that occur during the Impulse Compaction on adjacent structures. A case study entails the impact of construction works on Rayleigh wave propagation in the zone of 100 m (radius) around the Compactor.

Fractal Analysis of Rock Joint Profiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audy, Ondřej; Ficker, Tomáš

2017-10-01

Surface reliefs of rock joints are analyzed in geotechnics when shear strength of rocky slopes is estimated. The rock joint profiles actually are self-affine fractal curves and computations of their fractal dimensions require special methods. Many papers devoted to the fractal properties of these profiles were published in the past but only a few of those papers employed a convenient computational method that would have guaranteed a sound value of that dimension. As a consequence, anomalously low dimensions were presented. This contribution deals with two computational modifications that lead to sound fractal dimensions of the self-affine rock joint profiles. These are the modified box-counting method and the modified yard-stick method sometimes called the compass method. Both these methods are frequently applied to self-similar fractal curves but the self-affine profile curves due to their self-affine nature require modified computational procedures implemented in computer programs.

The Q-Slope Method for Rock Slope Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bar, Neil; Barton, Nick

2017-12-01

Q-slope is an empirical rock slope engineering method for assessing the stability of excavated rock slopes in the field. Intended for use in reinforcement-free road or railway cuttings or in opencast mines, Q-slope allows geotechnical engineers to make potential adjustments to slope angles as rock mass conditions become apparent during construction. Through case studies across Asia, Australia, Central America, and Europe, a simple correlation between Q-slope and long-term stable slopes was established. Q-slope is designed such that it suggests stable, maintenance-free bench-face slope angles of, for instance, 40°-45°, 60°-65°, and 80°-85° with respective Q-slope values of approximately 0.1, 1.0, and 10. Q-slope was developed by supplementing the Q-system which has been extensively used for characterizing rock exposures, drill-core, and tunnels under construction for the last 40 years. The Q' parameters (RQD, J n, J a, and J r) remain unchanged in Q-slope. However, a new method for applying J r/ J a ratios to both sides of potential wedges is used, with relative orientation weightings for each side. The term J w, which is now termed J wice, takes into account long-term exposure to various climatic and environmental conditions such as intense erosive rainfall and ice-wedging effects. Slope-relevant SRF categories for slope surface conditions, stress-strength ratios, and major discontinuities such as faults, weakness zones, or joint swarms have also been incorporated. This paper discusses the applicability of the Q-slope method to slopes ranging from less than 5 m to more than 250 m in height in both civil and mining engineering projects.

Combined Resistivity and Shear Wave Velocity Soil-type Estimation Beneath a Coastal Protection Levee.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenzo, J. M.; Goff, D.; Hayashi, K.

2015-12-01

Unconsolidated Holocene deltaic sediments comprise levee foundation soils in New Orleans, USA. Whereas geotechnical tests at point locations are indispensable for evaluating soil stability, the highly variable sedimentary facies of the Mississippi delta create difficulties to predict soil conditions between test locations. Combined electrical resistivity and seismic shear wave studies, calibrated to geotechnical data, may provide an efficient methodology to predict soil types between geotechnical sites at shallow depths (0- 10 m). The London Avenue Canal levee flank of New Orleans, which failed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, 2005, presents a suitable site in which to pioneer these geophysical relationships. Preliminary cross-plots show electrically resistive, high-shear-wave velocity areas interpreted as low-permeability, resistive silt. In brackish coastal environments, low-resistivity and low-shear-wave-velocity areas may indicate both saturated, unconsolidated sands and low-rigidity clays. Via a polynomial approximation, soil sub-types of sand, silt and clay can be estimated by a cross-plot of S-wave velocity and resistivity. We confirm that existent boring log data fit reasonably well with the polynomial approximation where 2/3 of soil samples fall within their respective bounds—this approach represents a new classification system that could be used for other mid-latitude, fine-grained deltas.

Assessment of the Efficiency of Consolidation Treatment through Injections of Expanding Resins by Geotechnical Tests and 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The design and execution of consolidation treatment of settled foundations by means of injection of polyurethane expanding resins require a proper investigation of the state of the foundation soil, in order to better identify anomalies responsible for the instability. To monitor the injection process, a procedure has been developed, which involves, in combination with traditional geotechnical tests, the application of a noninvasive, geophysical technique based on the electrical resistivity, which is strongly sensitive to presence of water or voids. Three-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography is a useful tool to produce effective 3D images of the foundation soils before, during, and after the injections. The achieved information allows designing the consolidation scheme and monitoring its effects on the treated volumes in real time. To better understand the complex processes induced by the treatment and to learn how variations of resistivity accompany increase of stiffness, an experiment was carried out in a full-scale test site. Injections of polyurethane expanding resin were performed as in real worksite conditions. Results confirm that the experimented approach by means of 3D resistivity imaging allows a reliable procedure of consolidation, and geotechnical tests demonstrate the increase of mechanical stiffness. PMID:26167521

Geological and geotechnical characteristics of Metro Manila volcanic soils and their suitability for landfill soil liner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendoza, Edna Patricia; Catane, Sandra; Pascua, Chelo; Zarco, Mark Albert

2010-05-01

Due to the Philippines's island-arc setting, andesitic tuff and volcanic ash constitute two-thirds of the country's agricultural land. In situ weathering of these volcanic sediments produces volcanic soils. Metro Manila volcanic soils were studied to determine their suitability for landfill soil liner. The soils were analyzed using XRD and XRF, and were tested for geotechnical properties. The results show the presence of the smectite group, a swelling variety of clay. The smectite-type clays are weathering products of volcanic glasses which are dominant components of the parental rocks. The high amounts of Al2O3 indicate an Al-rich type of soil. The clay species is either di- or tri-octahedral type, which points to montmorillonite as the main clay species. Swelling clay lowers the permeability of soils and reduces the infiltration and lateral movement of leachates in the ground. Also, geotechnical tests revealed moderate to high plasticity indices and low hydraulic conductivity values. The study shows that the physicochemical characteristics of volcanic soils meet the criteria for a soil liner for future sanitary landfill projects as mandated by RA 9003, a recently ratified solid waste management act of the Philippines. Being widespread, volcanic soils can be viewed as an important resource of the country.

Understanding shallow landslides in Campos do Jordão municipality - Brazil: disentangling the anthropic effects from natural causes in the disaster of 2000

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendes, Rodolfo M.; de Andrade, Márcio Roberto M.; Tomasella, Javier; de Moraes, Márcio Augusto E.; Scofield, Graziela B.

2018-01-01

Located in a mountainous area of south-eastern Brazil, the municipality of Campos do Jordão has been hit by several landslides in recent history. Among those events, the landslides of early 2000 were significant in terms of the number of deaths (10), the population affected and the destruction of infrastructure that was caused. The purpose of this study is to assess the relative contribution of natural and human factors to triggering the landslides of the 2000 event. To achieve this goal, a detailed geotechnical survey was conducted in three representative slopes of the area to obtain geotechnical parameters needed for slope stability analysis. Then, a set of numerical experiments with GEO-SLOPE software was designed, including separate natural and anthropic factors. Results showed that natural factors, that is, high-intensity rainfall and geotechnical conditions, were not severe enough to trigger landslides in the study area and that human disturbance was entirely responsible for the landslide events of 2000. Since the anthropic effects used in the simulations are typical of hazardous urban areas in Brazil, we concluded that the implementation of public policies that constrain the occupation of landslide susceptible areas are urgently needed.

Geotechnical properties of ash deposits near Hilo, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wieczorek, G.F.; Jibson, R.W.; Wilson, R.C.; Buchanan-Banks, J. M.

1982-01-01

Two holes were hand augered and sampled in ash deposits near Hilo, Hawaii. Color, water content and sensitivity of the ash were measured in the field. The ash alternated between reddish brown and dark reddish brown in color and had water contents as high as 392%. A downhole vane shear device measured sensitivities as high as 6.9. A series of laboratory tests including grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, X-ray diffraction analysis, total carbon determination, vane shear, direct shear and triaxial tests were performed to determine the composition and geotechnical properties of the ash. The ash is very fine grained, highly plastic and composed mostly of gibbsite and amorphous material presumably allophane. The ash has a high angle of internal friction ranging from 40-43? and is classified as medium to very sensitive. A series of different ash layers was distinguished on the basis of plasticity and other geotechnical properties. Sensitivity may be due to a metastable fabric, cementation, leaching, high organic content, and thixotropy. The sensitivity of the volcanic ash deposits near Hilo is consistent with documented slope instability during earthquakes in Hawaii. The high angles of internal friction and cementation permit very steep slopes under static conditions. However, because of high sensitivity of the ash, these slopes are particularly susceptible to seismically-induced landsliding.

Austrian Guideline for Geomechanical Design of Tunnels - Necessity for Cooperation between Geologists, Geotechnical and Civil Engineers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwarz, Ludwig; Eder, Stefan; Mattle, Bruno; Hammer, Helmut

Rising competitive pressure in the construction business, ever tighter schedules being set up by the clients and ongoing disputes between engineering geologists and civil engineers about the role of geotechnical engineers have - in the last few years - led to increasing discussions between engineers and geologists about the allocation of competences during the design process of underground structures. In the course of this debate, which is often polemic and anything but objective, important information is quite frequently lost - a development which may not only be to the disadvantage of the client but which may also do damage to the reputation of the professions involved. The design procedure of the new Austrian guideline for the geomechanical design of underground structures requires a close collaboration of geologists, geotechnical and civil engineers, yet without allocating competences. While preparing the tender documents for the first construction lot of the Northern feeder line of the Brenner base tunnel, the necessity of a close cooperation of the involved professions became apparent due to the complex geological situation encountered in the project area and the enormous amount of data available. Despite these difficult boundary conditions, the successful application of the guideline was last but not least the result of the joint efforts of the multidisciplinary design team.

SH-wave refraction/reflection and site characterization

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, Z.; Street, R.L.; Woolery, E.W.; Madin, I.P.

2000-01-01

Traditionally, nonintrusive techniques used to characterize soils have been based on P-wave refraction/reflection methods. However, near-surface unconsolidated soils are oftentimes water-saturated, and when groundwater is present at a site, the velocity of the P-waves is more related to the compressibility of the pore water than to the matrix of the unconsolidated soils. Conversely, SH-waves are directly relatable to the soil matrix. This makes SH-wave refraction/reflection methods effective in site characterizations where groundwater is present. SH-wave methods have been used extensively in site characterization and subsurface imaging for earthquake hazard assessments in the central United States and western Oregon. Comparison of SH-wave investigations with geotechnical investigations shows that SH-wave refraction/reflection techniques are viable and cost-effective for engineering site characterization.

The EUROSEISTEST Experimental Test Site in Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pitilakis, K.; Manos, G.; Raptakis, D.; Anastasiadis, A.; Makra, K.; Manakou, M.

2009-04-01

The European experimental site EUROSEISTEST has been established since 1993 in the epicentral area of the June 20th 1978 earthquake (40.8˚ N, 23.2˚ E, Ms 6.5, Imax VIII+ MSK, Papazachos et al., 1979), located in the active tectonic Mygdonian basin, 30km NNE from Thessaloniki, Greece. Euroseistest has been funded by the European Commission - Directorate General for Research and Development under the framework of consecutive EC research projects (EuroseisTest, EuroseisMod and Eurroseisrisk). It is specially designed and dedicated to conduct experimental and theoretical studies on site effects, soil and site characterization and soil-foundation-structure interaction phenomena. The geological, geophysical and geotechnical conditions of the Euroseistest valley (Mygdonian graben) is very well constrained through numerous in situ campaigns and laboratory tests. The permanent accelerometric network comprises 21 digital 3D stations, including vertical arrays down to 200m (schist bedrock), covering a surface of about 100 sq Km. The site is also covered by a permanent seismological network. A number of high quality recordings, from temporary and permanent arrays, gave the possibility to perform advanced experimental and theoretical studies on site effects (e.g. Raptakis et al., 1998; Pitilakis et al., 1999; Raptakis et al., 2000; Chávez-García et al., 2000; Makra, 2000; Makra et al., 2001 & 2005). The main advantage of Euroseistest is the detailed knowledge of the 3D geological-geotechnical structure of the basin (Manakou, 2007) and its dense permanent accelerometric network. For this reason the site has been recently selected by CEA to validate and check the advanced numerical codes to be used in Cadarache ITER project. Besides the study of site effects, Euroseistest offers interesting possibilities to study SSI problems through two model structures (scaled 1:3). A 6-storey building and a bridge pier, which have been constructed and instrumented in the centre of the valley, close to the main vertical array. Euroseistest experimental site provides a rigorous high quality database comprising geological, geotechnical, geophysical and seismological data, as well as a valuable set of experimental facilities to study both experimentally and theoretically complex site effects and soil-foundation structure problems. Numerous publications have been already released (see in the web page). It is foreseen to strengthen in the near future the possibility to provide wide access to European and international scientific community to perform joint studies, to validate their models and to improve or develop new ones.

Subsidence monitoring with geotechnical instruments in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glowacka, E.; Sarychikhina, O.; Márquez Ramírez, V. H.; Robles, B.; Nava, F. A.; Farfán, F.; García Arthur, M. A.

2015-11-01

The Mexicali Valley (northwestern Mexico), situated in the southern part of the San Andreas fault system, is an area with high tectonic deformation, recent volcanism, and active seismicity. Since 1973, fluid extraction, from the 1500-3000 m depth range, at the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field (CPGF), has influenced deformation in the Mexicali Valley area, accelerating the subsidence and causing slip along the traces of tectonic faults that limit the subsidence area. Detailed field mapping done since 1989 (González et al., 1998; Glowacka et al., 2005; Suárez-Vidal et al., 2008) in the vicinity of the CPGF shows that many subsidence induced fractures, fissures, collapse features, small grabens, and fresh scarps are related to the known tectonic faults. Subsidence and fault rupture are causing damage to infrastructure, such as roads, railroad tracks, irrigation channels, and agricultural fields. Since 1996, geotechnical instruments installed by CICESE (Centro de Investigación Ciéntifica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, B.C.) have operated in the Mexicali Valley, for continuous recording of deformation phenomena. Instruments are installed over or very close to the affected faults. To date, the network includes four crackmeters and eight tiltmeters; all instruments have sampling intervals in the 1 to 20 min range. Instrumental records typically show continuous creep, episodic slip events related mainly to the subsidence process, and coseismic slip discontinuities (Glowacka et al., 1999, 2005, 2010; Sarychikhina et al., 2015). The area has also been monitored by levelling surveys every few years and, since the 1990's by studies based on DInSAR data (Carnec and Fabriol, 1999; Hansen, 2001; Sarychikhina et al., 2011). In this work we use data from levelling, DInSAR, and geotechnical instruments records to compare the subsidence caused by anthropogenic activity and/or seismicity with slip recorded by geotechnical instruments, in an attempt to obtain more information about the process of fault slip associated with subsidence.

Low frequency (<1Hz) Large Magnitude Earthquake Simulations in Central Mexico: the 1985 Michoacan Earthquake and Hypothetical Rupture in the Guerrero Gap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramirez Guzman, L.; Contreras Ruíz Esparza, M.; Aguirre Gonzalez, J. J.; Alcántara Noasco, L.; Quiroz Ramírez, A.

2012-12-01

We present the analysis of simulations at low frequency (<1Hz) of historical and hypothetical earthquakes in Central Mexico, by using a 3D crustal velocity model and an idealized geotechnical structure of the Valley of Mexico. Mexico's destructive earthquake history bolsters the need for a better understanding regarding the seismic hazard and risk of the region. The Mw=8.0 1985 Michoacan earthquake is among the largest natural disasters that Mexico has faced in the last decades; more than 5000 people died and thousands of structures were damaged (Reinoso and Ordaz, 1999). Thus, estimates on the effects of similar or larger magnitude earthquakes on today's population and infrastructure are important. Moreover, Singh and Mortera (1991) suggest that earthquakes of magnitude 8.1 to 8.4 could take place in the so-called Guerrero Gap, an area adjacent to the region responsible for the 1985 earthquake. In order to improve previous estimations of the ground motion (e.g. Furumura and Singh, 2002) and lay the groundwork for a numerical simulation of a hypothetical Guerrero Gap scenario, we recast the 1985 Michoacan earthquake. We used the inversion by Mendoza and Hartzell (1989) and a 3D velocity model built on the basis of recent investigations in the area, which include a velocity structure of the Valley of Mexico constrained by geotechnical and reflection experiments, and noise tomography, receiver functions, and gravity-based regional models. Our synthetic seismograms were computed using the octree-based finite element tool-chain Hercules (Tu et al., 2006), and are valid up to a frequency of 1 Hz, considering realistic velocities in the Valley of Mexico ( >60 m/s in the very shallow subsurface). We evaluated the model's ability to reproduce the available records using the goodness-of-fit analysis proposed by Mayhew and Olsen (2010). Once the reliablilty of the model was established, we estimated the effects of a large magnitude earthquake in Central Mexico. We built a kinematic rupture for a Mw=8.4 earthquake with the method of Liu et al. (2006) for the Guerrero Gap and computed the ground motion. We summarized our results by presenting ground motion parameter maps and the potential population and infrastructure exposure to large Modified Mercalli Intensities (>VI).

Geotechnical properties of municipal solid waste at different phases of biodegradation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Reddy, Krishna R., E-mail: kreddy@uic.edu; Hettiarachchi, Hiroshan, E-mail: hiroshan@ltu.edu; Gangathulasi, Janardhanan, E-mail: jganga2@uic.edu

Highlights: > Degraded synthetic municipal solid waste (MSW) anaerobically in controlled bench-scale reactors. > Performed laboratory tests to determine geotechnical properties of MSW at different phases of degradation. > Hydraulic conductivity decreased by two orders of magnitude due to degradation. > Compression ratio reduced from 0.34 for initial fresh waste to 0.15 for the mostly degraded waste. > Friction angle reduced, but cohesion increased with degradation. - Abstract: This paper presents the results of laboratory investigation conducted to determine the variation of geotechnical properties of synthetic municipal solid waste (MSW) at different phases of degradation. Synthetic MSW samples were preparedmore » based on the composition of MSW generated in the United States and were degraded in bioreactors with leachate recirculation. Degradation of the synthetic MSW was quantified based on the gas composition and organic content, and the samples exhumed from the bioreactor cells at different phases of degradation were tested for the geotechnical properties. Hydraulic conductivity, compressibility and shear strength of initial and degraded synthetic MSW were all determined at constant initial moisture content of 50% on wet weight basis. Hydraulic conductivity of synthetic MSW was reduced by two orders of magnitude due to degradation. Compression ratio was reduced from 0.34 for initial fresh waste to 0.15 for the mostly degraded waste. Direct shear tests showed that the fresh and degraded synthetic MSW exhibited continuous strength gain with increase in horizontal deformation, with the cohesion increased from 1 kPa for fresh MSW to 16-40 kPa for degraded MSW and the friction angle decreased from 35{sup o} for fresh MSW to 28{sup o} for degraded MSW. During the triaxial tests under CU condition, the total strength parameters, cohesion and friction angle, were found to vary from 21 to 57 kPa and 1{sup o} to 9{sup o}, respectively, while the effective strength parameters, cohesion and friction angle varied from 18 to 56 kPa and from 1{sup o} to 11{sup o}, respectively. Similar to direct shear test results, as the waste degrades an increase in cohesion and slight decrease in friction angle was observed. Decreased friction angle and increased cohesion with increased degradation is believed to be due to the highly cohesive nature of the synthetic MSW. Variation of synthetic MSW properties from this study also suggests that significant changes in geotechnical properties of MSW can occur due to enhanced degradation induced by leachate recirculation.« less

Site Classification using Multichannel Channel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) method on Soft and Hard Ground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashraf, M. A. M.; Kumar, N. S.; Yusoh, R.; Hazreek, Z. A. M.; Aziman, M.

2018-04-01

Site classification utilizing average shear wave velocity (Vs(30) up to 30 meters depth is a typical parameter. Numerous geophysical methods have been proposed for estimation of shear wave velocity by utilizing assortment of testing configuration, processing method, and inversion algorithm. Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) method is been rehearsed by numerous specialist and professional to geotechnical engineering for local site characterization and classification. This study aims to determine the site classification on soft and hard ground using MASW method. The subsurface classification was made utilizing National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NERHP) and international Building Code (IBC) classification. Two sites are chosen to acquire the shear wave velocity which is in the state of Pulau Pinang for soft soil and Perlis for hard rock. Results recommend that MASW technique can be utilized to spatially calculate the distribution of shear wave velocity (Vs(30)) in soil and rock to characterize areas.

Physically-based slope stability modelling and parameter sensitivity: a case study in the Quitite and Papagaio catchments, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Lima Neves Seefelder, Carolina; Mergili, Martin

2016-04-01

We use the software tools r.slope.stability and TRIGRS to produce factor of safety and slope failure susceptibility maps for the Quitite and Papagaio catchments, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The key objective of the work consists in exploring the sensitivity of the geotechnical (r.slope.stability) and geohydraulic (TRIGRS) parameterization on the model outcomes in order to define suitable parameterization strategies for future slope stability modelling. The two landslide-prone catchments Quitite and Papagaio together cover an area of 4.4 km², extending between 12 and 995 m a.s.l. The study area is dominated by granitic bedrock and soil depths of 1-3 m. Ranges of geotechnical and geohydraulic parameters are derived from literature values. A landslide inventory related to a rainfall event in 1996 (250 mm in 48 hours) is used for model evaluation. We attempt to identify those combinations of effective cohesion and effective internal friction angle yielding the best correspondence with the observed landslide release areas in terms of the area under the ROC Curve (AUCROC), and in terms of the fraction of the area affected by the release of landslides. Thereby we test multiple parameter combinations within defined ranges to derive the slope failure susceptibility (fraction of tested parameter combinations yielding a factor of safety smaller than 1). We use the tool r.slope.stability (comparing the infinite slope stability model and an ellipsoid-based sliding surface model) to test and to optimize the geotechnical parameters, and TRIGRS (a coupled hydraulic-infinite slope stability model) to explore the sensitivity of the model results to the geohydraulic parameters. The model performance in terms of AUCROC is insensitive to the variation of the geotechnical parameterization within much of the tested ranges. Assuming fully saturated soils, r.slope.stability produces rather conservative predictions, whereby the results yielded with the sliding surface model are more conservative than those yielded with the infinite slope stability model. The sensitivity of AUCROC to variations in the geohydraulic parameters remains small as long as the calculated degree of saturation of the soils is sufficient to result in the prediction of a significant amount of landslide release pixels. Due to the poor sensitivity of AUCROC to variations of the geotechnical and geohydraulic parameters it is hard to optimize the parameters by means of statistics. Instead, the results produced with many different combinations of parameters correspond reasonably well with the distribution of the observed landslide release areas, even though they vary considerably in terms of their conservativeness. Considering the uncertainty inherent in all geotechnical and geohydraulic data, and the impossibility to capture the spatial distribution of the parameters by means of laboratory tests in sufficient detail, we conclude that landslide susceptibility maps yielded by catchment-scale physically-based models should not be interpreted in absolute terms. Building on the assumption that our findings are generally valid, we suggest that efforts to develop better strategies for dealing with the uncertainties in the spatial variation of the key parameters should be given priority in future slope stability modelling efforts.

Numerical analysis of the creeping behavior of the S. Andrea di Perarolo secondary landslide (Italian Eastern Alps)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cioli, C.; Genevois, R.; Iafelice, M.; Zorzi, L.

2012-04-01

The S. Andrea landslide is a complex secondary phenomenon characterized by continuous movements causing a very high hazard condition for the near Perarolo di Cadore village (Italian Eastern Alps). A significant amount of geological and geotechnical investigations has been carried out in the past allowing the detection of the basal sliding surface. In specific, the sliding surface coincides with the contact between the bedrock and the overlying mass of an old landslides, involving a volume of about 180.000 cubic meters. A numerical approach has been adopted to analyze the stability of slope. This method is able to simulate the formation and development of shear zones as areas of strain localization in the model. Indeed, the S. Andrea landslide has been, then, investigated using FLAC, a two-dimensional explicit finite difference program, particularly useful in case of slopes with complex geometry. In order to build up a suitable model, variation of geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters have been identified from the interpretation of all available data. In a preliminary stage, a Mohr-Coulomb plasticity model has been adopted except for the bedrock, which was characterized by an isotropic elastic model. Groundwater flow condition has been performed evaluating the change in pore pressure coupled to the mechanical deformation calculation. Numerical results show that this model cannot simulate real displacement behavior of the slope mainly due to both the complex material behavior and lithological heterogeneity, and due to geotechnical spatial complexity of different soils and mechanical parameters. It has been assumed that it was necessary to improve the model in the light of a time dependent behavior of existing soils. An elastic-viscoplastic model has been then used to reproduce the observed creeping behavior, and only in viscoplastic region time effects have been considered. Discussion of results points out on: i) the evolution of the ``mechanical damage'' within the moving mass; ii) the identification of possible causes of the displacements recorded in the field; iii) the utility of the computational approach for the creeping response of the soil slopes under constant load conditions and for two dimensional applications.

Geotechnical Applications of the Self-Potential Method. Report 3. Development of Self-Potential Interpretation Techniques for Seepage Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-02-01

potentials M Modeling or interpretation of SP data T Streaming potential theory TM Telluric current measurement 0 Other 57 REFERENCES Abaza, M. M. I ...470-483. L, T Abaza, M. M. I . 1966. Streaming Current and Streaming Potential Induced by Water Flow Through Porous Media: Ph.D. Thesis, Utah State...IO-- L* - CDU -c) low- -co M~ <__ _ _ i7L - 7 ____~~~~ < K- I ~ 1I1iiij § r~L K mn LKzz{ - i ----_ - t -C 71L- C > 0amp- Daily_ _ Recrd fo Ce uft an

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Volume V. Nevada - Utah Verification Studies, FY 79. Geotechnical Data White River North CDP, Nevada.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-08-24

5 . TYPE OF REPORT 0 PERIOD COVERED L’-, P.eRORMCG- 0 i. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT t...34 0 / AJ " " 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on reverse side It necesry and identify by block umberj hI-)? , --c. r ’ & 5 iI"’ Ia’A L_ q- ..>- 4c r, 5 - -41 ac...8217 241 291 Ill Ill 11 11 11 Ill It, T:-1: 11 1: ;, s2 2 L I I 1 5 I.L cc. a. is I.. :I 3 ’ S 0 5 2 2 1 󈧩 2 2 1 *1 -I %V44 3 IA &it 045 00 19 055

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stein, Joshua S.; Rautman, Christopher Arthur

The Bryan Mound salt dome, located near Freeport, Texas, is home to one of four underground crude oil-storage facilities managed by the U. S. Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Program. Sandia National Laboratories, as the geotechnical advisor to the SPR, conducts site-characterization investigations and other longer-term geotechnical and engineering studies in support of the program. This report describes the conversion of two-dimensional geologic interpretations of the Bryan Mound site into three-dimensional geologic models. The new models include the geometry of the salt dome, the surrounding sedimentary units, mapped faults, and the 20 oil-storage caverns at the site. Thismore » work provides an internally consistent geologic model of the Bryan Mound site that can be used in support of future work.« less

Problem analysis of geotechnical well drilling in complex environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasenov, A. K.; Biletskiy, M. T.; Ratov, B. T.; Korotchenko, T. V.

2015-02-01

The article examines primary causes of problems occurring during the drilling of geotechnical wells (injection, production and monitoring wells) for in-situ leaching to extract uranium in South Kazakhstan. Such a drilling problem as hole caving which is basically caused by various chemical and physical factors (hydraulic, mechanical, etc.) has been thoroughly investigated. The analysis of packing causes has revealed that this problem usually occurs because of insufficient amount of drilling mud being associated with small cross section downward flow and relatively large cross section upward flow. This is explained by the fact that when spear bores are used to drill clay rocks, cutting size is usually rather big and there is a risk for clay particles to coagulate.

Monitoring industrial facilities using principles of integration of fiber classifier and local sensor networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korotaev, Valery V.; Denisov, Victor M.; Rodrigues, Joel J. P. C.; Serikova, Mariya G.; Timofeev, Andrey V.

2015-05-01

The paper deals with the creation of integrated monitoring systems. They combine fiber-optic classifiers and local sensor networks. These systems allow for the monitoring of complex industrial objects. Together with adjacent natural objects, they form the so-called geotechnical systems. An integrated monitoring system may include one or more spatially continuous fiber-optic classifiers based on optic fiber and one or more arrays of discrete measurement sensors, which are usually combined in sensor networks. Fiber-optic classifiers are already widely used for the control of hazardous extended objects (oil and gas pipelines, railways, high-rise buildings, etc.). To monitor local objects, discrete measurement sensors are generally used (temperature, pressure, inclinometers, strain gauges, accelerometers, sensors measuring the composition of impurities in the air, and many others). However, monitoring complex geotechnical systems require a simultaneous use of continuous spatially distributed sensors based on fiber-optic cable and connected local discrete sensors networks. In fact, we are talking about integration of the two monitoring methods. This combination provides an additional way to create intelligent monitoring systems. Modes of operation of intelligent systems can automatically adapt to changing environmental conditions. For this purpose, context data received from one sensor (e.g., optical channel) may be used to change modes of work of other sensors within the same monitoring system. This work also presents experimental results of the prototype of the integrated monitoring system.

Microtremor Study of Site Effect for Disaster Mitigation and Geotechnical Purpose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aswad, Sabrianto; Altin Massinai, Muh.; Syamsuddin

2018-03-01

Makassar city have relatively lower earthquake vulnerability compared to other regions in Indonesia, however detailed mapping related to seismic wave amplification needs to be done in the interest of geotechnical, regional planning and disaster mitigation. It is generally known that the magnitude of the damage during the occurrence of earthquakes or tremor occur periodically is influenced by the dynamic characteristics of the building as a function of seismic wave amplification. The degree of seismic wave amplification depends on several factors, including the thickness of the sediment layer, the level of compaction and the geological age factor. The purpose of this research is to investigate seismic vulnerability in Makassar by using spectral comparison through microtremor measurement. There are several of the approaches that can be done and microtremor is the easiest and cheapest method to understand these dynamic characteristics without causing damage effects. Spectra comparison technique used was popular by Nakamura, which is comparison technique of horizontal component noise spectra and the vertical component in sediment areas (H/V spectra). Results from seismic vulnerability index (SVI) distribution maps show values ranging from 0, 14 - 158, 31. In general, the eastern part of the city of Makassar near from coastal areas is more vulnerable to damage especially earthquakes or periodic earth tremor with certain dominant frequency compared with the western part of Makassar City.

Select geotechnical properties of a lime stabilized expansive soil amended with bagasse ash and coconut shell powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

James, Jijo; Pandian, P. Kasinatha

2018-03-01

Lime stabilization has been and still is one of the most preferred methods for stabilization of expansive soils. However, in the recent times, utilization of solid waste materials in soil stabilization has gained prominence as an effective means to manage wastes generated from various sources. In this work, an attempt has been made to utilize waste materials from two sources as auxiliary additives to lime in the stabilization of an expansive soil. Bagasse ash (BA), a waste by-product from the sugar industry and Coconut shell powder (CSP), a processed waste obtained from left over coconut shells of oil extraction industry were used as auxiliary additives. An expansive soil obtained from a local field was subjected to chemical, mineral, microstructural and geotechnical characterization in the laboratory and stabilized using 3% lime. The waste materials were subjected to chemical, mineral and microstructural characterization. The stabilization process was amended with four different contents viz. 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% of BA and CSP separately and the effect of the amendment was studied on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), plasticity, swell-shrink and microstructural characteristics of the expansive soil. The results of the study indicated that BA amendment of lime stabilization performed better than CSP in improving the UCS, plasticity, swell-shrink and microstructure of the lime stabilized expansive soil.

Seismic investigations in downtown Copenhagen, Denmark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, K.; Mendoza, J. A.; Olsen, H.

2009-12-01

Near surface geophysics are gaining widespread use in major infrastructure projects with respect to geotechnical and engineering applications. The development of data acquisition, processing tools and interpretation methods have optimized survey production, reduced logistics costs and increase results reliability of seismic surveys during the last decades. However, the use of geophysical methods under urban environments continues to face challenges due to multiple noise sources and obstacles inherent to cities. A seismic investigation was conducted in Copenhagen aiming to produce information needed for hydrological, geotechnical and groundwater modeling assessments related to the planned Cityringen underground metro project. The particular objectives were a) map variations in subsurface Quaternary and limestone properties b) to map for near surface structural features. The geological setting in the Copenhagen region is characterized by several interlaced layers of glacial till and meltwater sand deposits. These layers, which are found unevenly distributed throughout the city and present in varying thicknesses, overlie limestone of different generations. There are common occurrences of incised valley structures containing localized instances of weathered or fractured limestone. The surveys consisted of combined seismic reflection and refraction profiles accounting for approximately 13 km along sections of the projected metro line. The data acquisition was carried out using standard 192 channels arrays, receiver groups with 5 m spacing and a Vibroseis as a source at 5 m spacing. In order to improve the resolution of the data, 29 Walkaway-Vertical Seismic Profiles were performed at selected wells along the surface seismic lines. The refraction data was processed with travel-time tomography and the reflection data underwent standard interpretation. The refraction data inversion was performed twofold; a surface refraction alone and combined with the VSP data. Three general velocity layers were observed; 800-1250 m/s, 1250-1700 m/s and a high velocity layer 1700-2500 m/s with localized zones of greater velocities. The variations in the higher velocity layer provide information on limestone properties relevant for tunneling design. The Walkaway-VSP proved to be a useful tool for identifying the velocity fields corresponding to the shallow sediments and the deep sequences of limestone, thus aiding the interpretation of the surface refraction imaging. Data acquisition was planned overnight to reduce external noise impact and optimise production, and urban challenges (e.g. traffic, pipelines) were overcome. Further integrated geophysical interpretation will be done together with hydrogeological analyses, geotechnical evaluations and geological modelling. The authors acknowledge Metroselskabet I/S for permission to present these results, and the Cityringen Joint Venture partners COWI, Arup and Systra.

Methane hydrate studies: Delineating properties of host sediments to establish reproducible decomposition kinetics: Chapter 16

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mahajan, Devinder; Servio, Phillip; Jones, Keith W.; Feng, Huan; Winters, William J.; Taylor, C.E.; Kwwan, J.T.

2004-01-01

We have presented a summary of measurements on the physical properties of sediments relevant to methane hydrate recovery. The data includes not only geotechnical determinations, but also the CMT data that gives porosity values and pathways through the sediment material. The results show that CMT techniques can be used to study sediment properties on a micrometer-size scale. Since the technique is non-destructive, changes in the sediment microstructures as a function of pressure and temperature can be measured. It is also feasible to look at formation of methane hydrates in the sediment structure as has already been demonstrated [7–9]. A longer term challenge is to start from the microscale data and calculate the macroscopic quantities shown in Table 2. We also note that the CMT measurements help in identification of different minerals found in the sediments. This feature of CMT was not exploited in this survey.

Civil engineering reference guide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Merritt, F.S.

1986-01-01

The civil engineering reference guide contains the following: Structural theory. Structural steel design. Concrete design and construction. Wood design and construction. Bridge engineering. Geotechnical engineering. Water engineering. Environmental engineering. Surveying.

Geological and technological assessment of artificial reef sites, Louisiana outer continental shelf

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pope, D.L.; Moslow, T.F.; Wagner, J.B.

1993-01-01

This paper describes the general procedures used to select sites for obsolete oil and gas platforms as artificial reefs on the Louisiana outer continental shelf (OCS). The methods employed incorporate six basic steps designed to resolve multiple-use conflicts that might otherwise arise with daily industry and commercial fishery operations, and to identify and assess both geological and technological constraints that could affect placement of the structures. These steps include: (1) exclusion mapping; (2) establishment of artificial reef planning areas; (3) database compilation; (4) assessment and interpretation of database; (5) mapping of geological and man-made features within each proposed reef site; and (6) site selection. Nautical charts, bathymetric maps, and offshore oil and gas maps were used for exclusion mapping, and to select nine regional planning areas. Pipeline maps were acquired from federal agencies and private industry to determine their general locations within each planning area, and to establish exclusion fairways along each pipeline route. Approximately 1600 line kilometers of high-resolution geophysical data collected by federal agencies and private industry was acquired for the nine planning areas. These data were interpreted to determine the nature and extent of near-surface geologic features that could affect placement of the structures. Seismic reflection patterns were also characterized to evaluate near-bottom sedimentation processes in the vicinity of each reef site. Geotechnical borings were used to determine the lithological and physical properties of the sediment, and for correlation with the geophysical data. Since 1987, five sites containing 10 obsolete production platforms have been selected on the Louisiana OCS using these procedures. Industry participants have realized a total savings of approximately US $1 500 000 in salvaging costs by converting these structures into artificial reefs. ?? 1993.

Underwater MASW to evaluate stiffness of water-bottom sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Park, C.B.; Miller, R.D.; Xia, J.; Ivanov, J.; Sonnichsen, G.V.; Hunter, J.A.; Good, R.L.; Burns, R.A.; Christian, H.

2005-01-01

The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) is initially intended as a land survey method to investigate the near-surface materials for their elastic properties. The acquired data are first analyzed for dispersion characteristics and, from these the shear-wave velocity is estimated using an inversion technique. Land applications show the potential of the MASW method to map 2D bedrock surface, zones of low strength, Poisson's ratio, voids, as well as to generate shear-wave profiles for various othe geotechnical problems. An overview is given of several underwater applications of the MASW method to characterize stiffness distribution of water-bottom sediments. The first application details the survey under shallow-water (1-6 m) in the Fraser River (Canada). The second application is an innovative experimental marine seismic survey in the North Atlantic Ocean near oil fields in Grand Bank offshore Newfoundland.

Use of the Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) method to interpret late Quaternary tide-dominated successions: A case study from the eastern China coastal plain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xia; Lin, Chun-Ming; Dalrymple, Robert W.; Gao, Shu; Canas, Daniel T.

2018-06-01

We evaluate the applicability of cone penetration testing (CPT), calibrated using adjacent cores, as a tool for the sedimentological and stratigraphic examination of late Quaternary tide-dominated successions in the eastern China coastal plain. The results indicate that the sedimentary facies and sequence-stratigraphic surfaces can be readily distinguished using CPT profiles in the Qiantang River incised-valley system because of their distinctive mechanical behavior. The lithologic character of the various facies, which is controlled mainly by sediment supply, dynamic processes and post-depositional diagenesis, is the key factor affecting how well the CPT technique works. Within this particular macrotidal environment, which is dominated by non-cohesive sand and silt in the tidal channels, the accumulation of fluid mud is rare. Consequently, the tidal-channel deposits exhibit the geotechnical properties of coarse-grained sediments, and can be easily distinguished from the mud-dominated facies. However, in the nearby Changjiang delta system which is characterized by very high suspended-sediment concentrations and an abundance of fine-grained cohesive sediments, the presence of channel-bottom fluid muds makes it difficult to recognize channel deposits, because of the lack of a sharp lithologic contrast at their base. Consequently, the CPT method might not be as universally effective in tide-dominated systems as it appears to be in wave-dominated settings. Care is needed in the interpretation of the results from tide-dominated successions because of the widespread presence of fluid muds, the heterolithic nature of tidal deposits, the rheological similarity between adjacent facies, and the averaging of geotechnical properties between the alternating finer and coarser layers.

Determining the geotechnical properties of planetary regolith using Low Velocity Penetrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seweryn, K.; Skocki, K.; Banaszkiewicz, M.; Grygorczuk, J.; Kolano, M.; Kuciński, T.; Mazurek, J.; Morawski, M.; Białek, A.; Rickman, H.; Wawrzaszek, R.

2014-09-01

Measurements of mechanical and thermophysical properties of planetary surface allow determining many important parameters useful for planetologists. For example, effective heat conductivity or thermal inertia of the regolith can help to better understand the processes occurring in the bodies interior. Chemical and mineralogical composition gives us a chance to determine the origin and evolution of moons and satellites. Mechanical properties of the surface are one of the key factors needed by civil engineers for developing future bases on space bodies. Space missions to planetary bodies highly restrict the payload concerning its mass and power consumption. Therefore, it is quite impossible to use a standard terrestrial technique like the Load Plate Test or Direct Shear Tests to determine the geotechnical parameters of the planetary regolith. Even the Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) method, which is frequently used for field testing, does not fit well with the constraints imposed by a space mission. Nevertheless, its operation principle is very similar to that of at the Low Velocity Penetrators (LVP), several of them being currently on their way to planetary bodies (e.g. the MUPUS instrument) or which were developed in the last couple of years (e.g. the CHOMIK instrument or the KRET device). In this paper we present a comparison between DCP method and LVP operation which was observed during several tests campaigns during mole KRET and CHOMIK instrument development. The tests were performed in different planetary analogues: JSC-1A, Chenobi and AGK-2010, Phobos analogue, cometary analogues F1, F2 and F3 (SRC) and dry quartz sand. In the last part of the paper the concept of results' interpretation is presented.

Quantitative risk assessment of landslides triggered by earthquakes and rainfall based on direct costs of urban buildings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vega, Johnny Alexander; Hidalgo, Cesar Augusto

2016-11-01

This paper outlines a framework for risk assessment of landslides triggered by earthquakes and rainfall in urban buildings in the city of Medellín - Colombia, applying a model that uses a geographic information system (GIS). We applied a computer model that includes topographic, geological, geotechnical and hydrological features of the study area to assess landslide hazards using the Newmark's pseudo-static method, together with a probabilistic approach based on the first order and second moment method (FOSM). The physical vulnerability assessment of buildings was conducted using structural fragility indexes, as well as the definition of damage level of buildings via decision trees and using Medellin's cadastral inventory data. The probability of occurrence of a landslide was calculated assuming that an earthquake produces horizontal ground acceleration (Ah) and considering the uncertainty of the geotechnical parameters and the soil saturation conditions of the ground. The probability of occurrence was multiplied by the structural fragility index values and by the replacement value of structures. The model implemented aims to quantify the risk caused by this kind of disaster in an area of the city of Medellín based on different values of Ah and an analysis of the damage costs of this disaster to buildings under different scenarios and structural conditions. Currently, 62% of ;Valle de Aburra; where the study area is located is under very low condition of landslide hazard and 38% is under low condition. If all buildings in the study area fulfilled the requirements of the Colombian building code, the costs of a landslide would be reduced 63% compared with the current condition. An earthquake with a return period of 475 years was used in this analysis according to the seismic microzonation study in 2002.

Integration of geotechnical and geophysical techniques for the characterization of a small earth-filled canal dyke and the localization of water leakage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bièvre, Grégory; Lacroix, Pascal; Oxarango, Laurent; Goutaland, David; Monnot, Guy; Fargier, Yannick

2017-04-01

This paper investigates the combined use of extensive geotechnical, hydrogeological and geophysical techniques to assess a small earth dyke with a permanent hydraulic head, namely a canal embankment. The experimental site was chosen because of known issues regarding internal erosion and piping phenomena. Two leakages were visually located following the emptying of the canal prior to remediation works. The results showed a good agreement between the geophysical imaging techniques (Electrical Resistivity Tomography, P- and SH-waves Tomography) and the geotechnical data to detect the depth to the bedrock and its lateral variations. It appeared that surface waves might not be fully adapted for dyke investigation because of the particular geometry of the studied dyke, non-respectful of the 1D assumption, and which induced depth and velocity discrepancies retrieved from Rayleigh and Love waves inversion. The use of these classical prospecting techniques however did not allow to directly locate the two leakages within the studied earth dyke. The analysis of ambient vibration time series with a modified beam-forming algorithm allowed to localize the most energetic water flow prior to remediation works. It was not possible to detect the leakage after remediation works, suggesting that they efficiently contributed to significantly reduce the water flow. The second leakage was not detected probably because of a non-turbulent water flow, generating few energetic vibrations.

Integrating weather and geotechnical monitoring data for assessing the stability of large scale surface mining operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steiakakis, Chrysanthos; Agioutantis, Zacharias; Apostolou, Evangelia; Papavgeri, Georgia; Tripolitsiotis, Achilles

2016-01-01

The geotechnical challenges for safe slope design in large scale surface mining operations are enormous. Sometimes one degree of slope inclination can significantly reduce the overburden to ore ratio and therefore dramatically improve the economics of the operation, while large scale slope failures may have a significant impact on human lives. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions, such as high precipitation rates, may unfavorably affect the already delicate balance between operations and safety. Geotechnical, weather and production parameters should be systematically monitored and evaluated in order to safely operate such pits. Appropriate data management, processing and storage are critical to ensure timely and informed decisions. This paper presents an integrated data management system which was developed over a number of years as well as the advantages through a specific application. The presented case study illustrates how the high production slopes of a mine that exceed depths of 100-120 m were successfully mined with an average displacement rate of 10- 20 mm/day, approaching an almost slow to moderate landslide velocity. Monitoring data of the past four years are included in the database and can be analyzed to produce valuable results. Time-series data correlations of movements, precipitation records, etc. are evaluated and presented in this case study. The results can be used to successfully manage mine operations and ensure the safety of the mine and the workforce.

75 FR 80851 - Records Schedules; Availability and Request for Comments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-23

..., including highway bridge and tunnel correspondence, designs and plans, geotechnical and hydraulic files... files, asphalt and pavement research files, statewide contract files, delineation files, recycling and...

Stress history and geotechnical properties of sediment from the Cape Fear Diapir, Blake Ridge Diapir, and Blake Ridge

USGS Publications Warehouse

Winters, W.J.

2000-01-01

Geotechnical properties of sediment from Ocean Drilling Program Leg 164 are presented as: (1) normalized shipboard strength ratios from the Cape Fear Diapir, the Blake Ridge Diapir, and the Blake Ridge; and (2) Atterberg limit, vane shear strength, pocket-penetrometer strength, and constant-rate-of-strain consolidation results from Hole 995A, located on the Blake Ridge. This study was conducted to understand the stress history in a region characterized by high sedimentation rates and the presence of gas hydrates. Collectively, the results indicate that sediment from the Blake Ridge exhibits significant underconsolidated behavior, except near the seafloor. At least 10 m of additional overburden was removed by erosion or mass wasting at Hole 993A on the Cape Fear Diapir, compared to nearby sites.

Shear-wave velocity compilation for Northridge strong-motion recording sites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Borcherdt, Roger D.; Fumal, Thomas E.

2002-01-01

Borehole and other geotechnical information collected at the strong-motion recording sites of the Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994 provide an important new basis for the characterization of local site conditions. These geotechnical data, when combined with analysis of strong-motion recordings, provide an empirical basis to evaluate site coefficients used in current versions of US building codes. Shear-wave-velocity estimates to a depth of 30 meters are derived for 176 strong-motion recording sites. The estimates are based on borehole shear-velocity logs, physical property logs, correlations with physical properties and digital geologic maps. Surface-wave velocity measurements and standard penetration data are compiled as additional constraints. These data as compiled from a variety of databases are presented via GIS maps and corresponding tables to facilitate use by other investigators.

[Geotechnical Board activities and funding]. [Annual] activites report, July 1, 1992--June 30, 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smeallie, P.H.

1993-07-23

The Geotechnical Board, a part of the US National Research Council, which is the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering, serves to advise the federal government and others on issues where geotechnology can have an impact, such as environmental remediation and infrastructure development. The board met three times during the reporting period to review current projects and to initiate activities that move the knowledge base of geotechnology forward. The board operates with two long-standing national committees, the US National Committee for Rock Mechanics and the US National Committee on Tunneling Technology. Itmore » also conducts special studies at the request of the government. A list of attachments is given.« less

A marine dynamic penetrometer for the determination of sea floor geotechnical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephan, S.; Kaul, N. E.; Villinger, H. W.

2013-12-01

We present a seafloor lance penetration monitoring system: the Lance Insertion Retardation Meter (LIRmeter). The device can be used to infer geotechnical seafloor properties, such as bearing capacity by monitoring the deceleration of a free-fall penetrating lance. The deceleration record can be furthermore used to estimate mean grain size and mud content of the sea floor as well as total penetration depth. The LIRmeter is contained in a pressure vessel (440 x 110 mm) and equipped with accelerometers of different sensitivities to (i) determine sea floor resistance during penetration and (ii) to generate a depth axis. Typically, measurements are carried out in a pogo style fashion to allow a rapid measurement progress during field campaigns. The LIRmeter is intended to determine sea floor properties on the sole basis of deceleration measurements in order to achieve a mechanically and electronically robust system. Data is sampled at a resolution of 16 bit and at a rate of typically 500 Hz for each channel. The device can either be installed in any type of lance i.e. marine heat flow probes, gravity corers, piston corers or can be used in combination with a purpose built lance as a standalone instrument. It has a usable length of four meters, a total weight of 280 kg in air and can be operated up to full ocean depth (6000m). The bearing capacity of the sea floor is a critical factor for marine engineering projects such as burial of marine cables, pipeline laying and foundations. Knowledge of the mud content can provide constraints for the estimation of hydraulic conductivity. The identification of weak zones along a slope can moreover provide vital information for risk assessment studies. Traditionally, frame based, quasi static Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) or sampling methods like gravity coring are used to conduct these types of investigation. In comparison to established but time consuming and rather costly methods, the LIRmeter is intended (i) for near surface investigations and/or (ii) to complement and connect conventional but isolated CPT measurements in a very efficient and rapid way. We show results from measurements in the North Sea, as well as results of laboratory experiments. During sea trials, the LIRmeter was equipped with an additional CPT sensor, which delivered data for cone (tip) resistance, sleeve friction and pore pressure, thus allowing a direct comparison between results of the acceleration measurements and results from conventional CPT sensors. The laboratory measurements were also carried out using both acceleration and tip resistance sensors. Resulting values show a very good agreement between tip resistance calculated from deceleration data and tip resistance from direct laboratory and field measurements. The influence of sediment type (mainly mud content) will be discussed within the context of laboratory measurements.

Hydro-dynamic and geotechnical effects in bridge scour processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radice, Alessio; Ballio, Francesco; Tran, Chau

2010-05-01

Local pier and abutment scour is a crucial topic in hydraulic engineering, due to the significant social and economical impact of bridge failure. Therefore, reliable tools for scour prediction are necessary for both design and vulnerability evaluation of the structures. In recent years, phenomenological studies of the local scour dynamics have been undertaken, to yield insight over the small scale mechanisms of the process. Experimental measurement and numerical modelling of the scouring flow field have shown the horseshoe vortex and the principal vortex as the most evident features of the flow pattern at piers and abutments, respectively. The vortex structure near the obstacles typically presents a high turbulence level compared to that of the incoming flow, and the temporal fluctuations in water velocity make the coherent vortical structures unstable in time. Furthermore, the statistical distributions of velocity values in junction flows often present a bimodal shape. The kinematics of the bottom grains reflects the unsteadiness of the flow pattern. Indeed, recent detailed measurements of particle motion in an abutment scour hole proved that a succession of opposite motion events takes place at several locations within the hole. Events of sediment motion directed away from the obstacles can be attributed to sediment pickup and transport by the turbulent flow field, whilst those with motion towards the abutment can be associated to sediment sliding along the slopes of the hole due to geotechnical instability. On a qualitative basis the presence of geotechnical effects is indeed relatively acknowledged. Despite the general agreement on the qualitative features of the scour process, a quantitative definition of the relevance of sliding for the sediment kinematics in a local scour process is still lacking. Therefore, the purpose of the present work has been to make a specific analysis of the different types of sediment motion events, aimed to a quantification of the relevance of sediment sliding for a proper process modelling. Two experimental configurations have been considered, namely a vertical-wall abutment and a circular pier. Attention has been focused on the well developed stages of the erosion process, where the grain instantaneous movements have been divided into two populations, namely the "turbulence-dominated" events (those in which the particle motion is triggered by the turbulent flow field) and the "gravity-dominated" events (those in which the particles slide along the slopes of the scour hole due to geotechnical instability). A relevant difference has been found between the dynamics of gravity-dominated and turbulence-dominated events. In addition, it has been found that the presence of geotechnical effects in the erosion hole may significantly alter the scour rate. Potential implications of the present results for the modelling of local scour processes have been discussed.

Earthquake Ground Motion Selection

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-05-01

Nonlinear analyses of soils, structures, and soil-structure systems offer the potential for more accurate characterization of geotechnical and structural response under strong earthquake shaking. The increasing use of advanced performance-based desig...

Geotechnical approaches to coal ash content control in mining of complex structure deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batugin, SA; Gavrilov, VL; Khoyutanov, EA

2017-02-01

Coal deposits having complex structure and nonuniform quality coal reserves require improved processes of production quality control. The paper proposes a method to present coal ash content as components of natural and technological dilution. It is chosen to carry out studies on the western site of Elginsk coal deposit, composed of four coal beds of complex structure. The reported estimates of coal ash content in the beds with respect to five components point at the need to account for such data in confirmation exploration, mine planning and actual mining. Basic means of analysis and control of overall ash content and its components are discussed.

Failure evolution in granular material retained by rigid wall in active mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietrzak, Magdalena; Leśniewska, Danuta

2012-10-01

This paper presents a detailed study of a selected small scale model test, performed on a sample of surrogate granular material, retained by a rigid wall (typical geotechnical problem of earth thrust on a retaining wall). The experimental data presented in this paper show that the deformation of granular sample behind retaining wall can undergo some cyclic changes. The nature of these cycles is not clear - it is probably related to some micromechanical features of granular materials, which are recently extensively studied in many research centers in the world. Employing very precise DIC (PIV) method can help to relate micro and macro-scale behavior of granular materials.

The Study of Geotechnical Properties of Sediment in C-C Zone in the Northeastern Pacific for Deep-sea Mining

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, S.; Kim, K.; Lee, H.; Ju, S.; Yoo, C.

2007-12-01

Recently the market price of valuable metals are rapidly increased due to the high demand and limited resources. Therefore, manganese (Mn)-nodules (Polymetallic nodules) in the Clarion-Clipperton fracture zone have stimulated economic interest. Nickel, copper, cobalt and manganese are the economically most interesting metals of Mn-nodules. In order to mine Mn-nodules from sea floor, understanding the geotechnical properties of surface sediment are very important for two major reasons. First, geotechnical data are required to design and build the stable and environmentally acceptable mining vehicles. Second, deep-sea mining activity could significantly effect on the surface layer of deep sea floor. For example, surface sediments will be redistributed through the resuspension and redeposition. Reliable sedimentological and soil mechanical baseline data of the undisturbed benthic environment are essential to assess and evaluate these environmental impacts by mining activity using physical and numerical modeling. The 225 times deployments of the multiple corer guaranteed undisturbed sediment samples in which geotechnical parameters were measured including sediment grain size, density, water content, shear strength. The sea floor sediments in this study area are generally characterized into three different types as follow. The seabed of the middle part (8-12° N) of this study area is mainly covered with biogenic siliceous sediment compared with pelagic red clays in the northern part (16-17° N). However, the southern part (5-6° N) is dominant with calcareous sediments because its water depth is shallower than the carbonate compensation depth (CCD). This result suggests that middle area, covered with siliceous sediment, is more feasible for commercial mining than northern area, covered with pelagic red clay, with the consideration of the nodule miner maneuverability and the environmental impact. Especially, middle part with the highest nodule abundance and valuable metal contents is mainly (more than 90% of area) covered with consolidated sediments, which are expected to be appropriate for effective miner movement. Furthermore, middle part with coarse siliceous sediments could be less environmentally disturbed by the mining activity. It makes middle part more plausible site than other sites in this study area for the commercial mining.

Design and Performance of an Enhanced Bioremediation Pilot Test in a Tidal Wetland Seep, West Branch Canal Creek, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

USGS Publications Warehouse

Majcher, Emily H.; Lorah, Michelle M.; Phelan, Daniel J.; McGinty, Angela L.

2009-01-01

Because of a lack of available in situ remediation methods for sensitive wetland environments where contaminated groundwater discharges, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Garrison, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, conceived, designed, and pilot tested a permeable reactive mat that can be placed horizontally at the groundwater/surface-water interface. Development of the reactive mat was part of an enhanced bioremediation study in a tidal wetland area along West Branch Canal Creek at Aberdeen Proving Ground, where localized areas of preferential discharge (seeps) transport groundwater contaminated with carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane from the Canal Creek aquifer to land surface. The reactive mat consisted of a mixture of commercially available organic- and nutrient-rich peat and compost that was bioaugmented with a dechlorinating microbial consortium, WBC-2, developed for this study. Due to elevated chlorinated methane concentrations in the pilot test site, a layer of zero-valent iron mixed with the peat and compost was added at the base of the reactive mat to promote simultaneous abiotic and biotic degradation. The reactive mat for the pilot test area was designed to optimize chlorinated volatile organic compound degradation efficiency without altering the geotechnical and hydraulic characteristics, or creating undesirable water quality in the surrounding wetland area, which is referred to in this report as achieving geotechnical, hydraulic, and water-quality compatibility. Optimization of degradation efficiency was achieved through the selection of a sustainable organic reactive matrix, electron donor, and bioaugmentation method. Consideration of geotechnical compatibility through design calculations of bearing capacity, settlement, and geotextile selection showed that a 2- to 3-feet tolerable thickness of the mat was possible, with 0.17 feet settlement predicted for unconsolidated sediments between 1.5 and 6 years following installation of the reactive mat. To ensure hydraulic compatibility in the mat design, mat materials that had a hydraulic conductivity greater than the surrounding wetland sediments were selected, and the mixture was optimized to consist of 1.5 parts compost, 1.5 parts peat and 1 part sand as a safeguard against fluidization. Sediment and matrix properties also indicated that a nonwoven geotextile with a cross-plane flow greater than that of the native sediments was suitable as the base of the reactive mat. Another nonwoven geotextile was selected for installation between the iron mix and organic zones of the mat to create more laminar flow conditions within the mat. Total metals and sequential extraction procedure analyses of mat materials, which were conducted to evaluate water-quality compatibility of the mat materials, showed that concentrations of metals in the compost ranged from one-half to one order of magnitude below consensus-based probable effect concentrations in sediment. A 22-inch-thick reactive mat, containing 0.5 percent WBC-2 by volume, was constructed at seep area 3-4W and monitored from October 2004 through October 2005 for the pilot test. No local, immediate failure of the mat or of wetland sediments was observed during mat installation, indicating that design estimates of bearing capacity and geotextile textile selection ensured the integrity of the mat and wetland sediments during and following installation. Measurements of surface elevation of the mat showed an average settlement of the mat surface of approximately 0.25 feet after 10 months, which was near the predicted settlement for unconsolidated sediment. Monitoring showed rapid establishment and sustainment throughout the year of methanogenic conditions conducive to anaerobic biodegradation and efficient dechlorination activity by WBC-2. The median mass removal of chloromethanes and total chloroethenes and ethane during the

10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... deformations and displacement, changes in rock stress and strain, rate and location of water inflow into subsurface areas, changes in groundwater conditions, rock pore water pressures including those along...

10 CFR 60.141 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... deformations and displacement, changes in rock stress and strain, rate and location of water inflow into subsurface areas, changes in groundwater conditions, rock pore water pressures including those along...

Highway rock slope management program.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-06-30

Development of a comprehensive geotechnical database for risk management of highway rock slope problems is described. Computer software selected to program the client/server application in windows environment, components and structure of the geote...

Shallow subsurface structures and geotechnical characteristics of Tal El-Amarna area, middle Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toni, Mostafa; Hosny, Ahmed; Attia, Mohsen M.; Hassoup, Awad; El-Sharkawy, Amr

2013-12-01

The shallow seismic refraction profiling was carried out at 18 sites in Tal El-Amarna, which is a flat area on the eastern bank of the Nile River, 50 km south of El Minia Governorate, middle Egypt. The collected data are used to estimate the P-wave velocity and to delineate the near-surface ground model beneath the study area. This study is supported by the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics due to the historical interest of the Tal El-Amarna area as a famous tourist place where there exist many Pharaoh temples and tombs. This area is low seismically active, but it is probably of high vulnerability due to the influence of the local geological conditions on earthquake ground motion, as well as the presence of poor constructions in the absence of various issues such as building designs, quality of building materials, etc. Another dataset at the study area is obtained by multi-channel passive source (microtremor) measurements, which have been recorded at four arrays. The frequency-wavenumber (f-k) method was used to derive the dispersion curves from the raw signals at each array. The resulted dispersion curves were inverted using the neighborhood algorithm to obtain the shear and P-wave velocity models. The concluded Vs and Vp values provide a preliminary estimation of the geotechnical parameters and site classification for the shallow soil as they are of great interest in civil engineering applications.

Laboratory Evaluation of the Effects of 3-Chloride Compounds on the Geotechnical Properties of an Expansive Subgrade Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radhakrishnan, G.; Anjan Kumar, M.; Raju, G. V. R. Prasada

2017-12-01

Expansive soils are known to be problematic due to their nature and behavior. These soils show volume changes due to changes in moisture content, which cause distortions to structures constructed on them. Relentless efforts are being made all over the world to find solution to the problems of expansive soils. In the case of flexible pavements, unless the subgrade is appropriately treated during the construction stage, the maintenance cost will increase substantially due to deterioration. There are many methods of stabilising expansive subgrade soils. Chemical stabilisation is one such technique employed in improving the engineering properties of the expansive soil. Investigations on chemical stabilization of expansive soils revealed that conventionally used lime could be replaced by the chloride compound chemicals because of their ready dissolvability in water, ease of mixing with soil and supply of sufficient cations for ready cation exchange. The main objective of this work is to study the effectiveness of three chloride compound chemicals, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) on the geotechnical properties of an expansive soil. The chemicals content up to 2% were added to the soil and its effect on the index limits, swell pressure, compaction characteristics as well as California bearing ratio are studied. It was observed that aluminum chloride chemical content has a significantly higher influence than the other two chemicals and it could be recognized as an effective chemical stabilizer.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasmer, O.; Ulusay, R.

One of the major problems in surface mining of coal is the stability of disposed overburden materials. Geotechnical considerations are thus very important in rational planning for disposal, reclamation, treatment, and utilization of mine waste material. The subject of this study is the stability of spoil piles at open pit coal mines located in the Central Anatolia, Turkey. The coal is produced from two adjacent open pits. While a large portion of the spoil piles dumped at the Central Pit has experienced slope failure, no spoil pile instability has been experienced at the South Pit. This article outlines the resultsmore » of field and laboratory investigations to describe the mechanism of the spoil pile failure in the Central Pit and the geotechnical design considerations for the spoil piles at the South Pit based on the experience gained from the previous spoil failures. Limit equilibrium analysis carried out for the large-scale spoil failure indicated that deep-seated sliding along the interface between underclay and dragline spoil piles and rotational slip through the overburden spoil material may be all occurring simultaneously as water migrates through these areas. Sensitivity analyses revealed that spoil pile instability is not expected at the South Pit when the current spoil placement method is used as long as the generation of high water pressures in the spoil piles is not permitted. Comparisons between the results of finite element analysis and long-term monitoring data also confirmed the results of sensitivity analyses and indicated a vertical deformation associated with compaction of the spoil material.« less

The spectral cell method in nonlinear earthquake modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giraldo, Daniel; Restrepo, Doriam

2017-12-01

This study examines the applicability of the spectral cell method (SCM) to compute the nonlinear earthquake response of complex basins. SCM combines fictitious-domain concepts with the spectral-version of the finite element method to solve the wave equations in heterogeneous geophysical domains. Nonlinear behavior is considered by implementing the Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager yielding criteria. We illustrate the performance of SCM with numerical examples of nonlinear basins exhibiting physically and computationally challenging conditions. The numerical experiments are benchmarked with results from overkill solutions, and using MIDAS GTS NX, a finite element software for geotechnical applications. Our findings show good agreement between the two sets of results. Traditional spectral elements implementations allow points per wavelength as low as PPW = 4.5 for high-order polynomials. Our findings show that in the presence of nonlinearity, high-order polynomials (p ≥ 3) require mesh resolutions above of PPW ≥ 10 to ensure displacement errors below 10%.

Optimization and management of materials in earthwork construction : tech transfer summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-05-01

This research provides solutions to identified problems through better : management and optimization of the available pavement geotechnical : materials and through ground improvement, soil reinforcement, : and other soil treatment techniques. : Objec...

Experimental assessment of aggregate surfacing materials.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-06-30

"An extensive suite of geotechnical laboratory tests were conducted to quantify differences in : engineering properties of three crushed aggregates commonly used on Montana highway projects. The : material types are identified in the Montana Suppleme...

Welcome to Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center - PEER

Science.gov Websites

Triggering and Effects at Silty Soil Sites" - PEER Research Project Highlight: "Dissipative Base ; Upcoming Events More June 10-13, 2018 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics V 2018 - Call

Predicting ground-water movement in large mine spoil areas in the Appalachian Plateau

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wunsch, D.R.; Dinger, J.S.; Graham, C.D.R.

1999-01-01

Spoil created by surface mining can accumulate large quantities of ground-water, which can create geotechnical or regulatory problems, as well as flood active mine pits. A current study at a large (4.1 km2), thick, (up to 90 m) spoil body in eastern Kentucky reveals important factors that control the storage and movement of water. Ground-water recharge occurs along the periphery of the spoil body where surface-water drainage is blocked, as well as from infiltration along the spoil-bedrock contact, recharge from adjacent bedrock, and to a minor extent, through macropores at the spoil's surface. Based on an average saturated thickness of 6.4 m for all spoil wells, and assuming an estimated porosity of 20%, approximately 5.2 x 106 m3 of water is stored within the existing 4.1 km2 of reclaimed spoil. A conceptual model of ground-water flow, based on data from monitoring wells, dye-tracing data, discharge from springs and ponds, hydraulic gradients, chemical data, field reconnaissance, and aerial photographs indicate that three distinct but interconnected saturated zones have been established: one in the spoil's interior, and others in the valley fills that surround the main spoil body at lower elevations. Ground-water movement is sluggish in the spoil's interior, but moves quickly through the valley fills. The conceptual model shows that a prediction of ground-water occurrence, movement, and quality can be made for active or abandoned spoil areas if all or some of the following data are available: structural contour of the base of the lowest coal seam being mined, pre-mining topography, documentation of mining methods employed throughout the mine, overburden characteristics, and aerial photographs of mine progression.Spoil created by surface mining can accumulate large quantities of ground-water, which can create geotechnical or regulatory problems, as well as flood active mine pits. A current study at a large (4.1 km2), thick, (up to 90 m) spoil body in eastern Kentucky reveals important factors that control the storage and movement of water. Ground-water recharge occurs along the periphery of the spoil body where surface-water drainage is blocked, as well as from infiltration along the spoil-bedrock contact, recharge from adjacent bedrock, and to a minor extent, through macropores at the spoil's surface. Based on an average saturated thickness of 6.4 m for all spoil wells, and assuming an estimated porosity of 20%, approximately 5.2 ?? 106 m3 of water is stored within the existing 4.1 km2 of reclaimed spoil. A conceptual model of ground-water flow, based on data from monitoring wells, dye-tracing data, discharge from springs and ponds, hydraulic gradients, chemical data, field reconnaissance, and aerial photographs indicate that three distinct but interconnected saturated zones have been established: one in the spoil's interior, and others in the valley fills that surround the main spoil body at lower elevations. Ground-water movement is sluggish in the spoil's interior, but moves quickly through the valley fills. The conceptual model shows that a prediction of ground-water occurrence, movement, and quality can be made for active or abandoned spoil areas if all or some of the following data are available: structural contour of the base of the lowest coal seam being mined, pre-mining topography, documentation of mining methods employed throughout the mine, overburden characteristics, and aerial photographs of mine progression.

IN SITU AND LABORATORY GEOTECHNICAL TESTS OF THE PIERRE SHALE NEAR HAYES, SOUTH DAKOTA - A CHARACTERIZATION OF ENGINEERING BEHAVIOR.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nichols, Thomas C.; Collins, Donley S.; Davidson, Richard R.

1986-01-01

A geotechnical investigation of the Pierre Shale near Hayes, South Dakota, was conducted by the U. S. Geological Survey as a basis for evaluating problems in deep excavations into that formation. The physical and mechanical properties of the shale were determined through use of core holes drilled to a maximum depth of 184 m. In situ borehole determinations included a gravimeter survey, pressuremeter testing, thermal profile measurements, and borehole velocity measurements. Onsite and offsite laboratory measurements included rebound measurements, sonic velocity measurements of shear and primary waves, X-ray mineralogy and major element determinations, size analyses, fracture analyses, fabric analyses, and determination of thermal properties. The properties of the clay shale indicate problems that may be encountered in excavation and use of deep underground facilities.

The growing importance of geo-scientists in the global oil field service industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, L.

2005-12-01

Schlumberger is often seen as a physics, chemistry and engineering company whose primary businesses are directional drilling, well logging, cementing, perforating and stimulation. However, in the future we see enormous potential for growth in the areas of seismic for reservoir monitoring, production services and project management. To succeed we will have to greatly strengthen our geo-technical workforce - geologists, geophysicists, drilling, reservoir and petroleum engineers. This will involve recruiting new graduates and developing their careers in addition to mid-career hiring. For the last 25 years, we have developed a culture of hiring in the countries where we work and of career development for employees of all nationalities. I will review our recruiting, training and university relations efforts and will discuss the adjustments we have made to effectively manage the growth of our geo-technical community.

A Global Survey and Interactive Map Suite of Deep Underground Facilities; Examples of Geotechnical and Engineering Capabilities, Achievements, Challenges: (Mines, Shafts, Tunnels, Boreholes, Sites and Underground Facilities for Nuclear Waste and Physics R&D)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tynan, M. C.; Russell, G. P.; Perry, F.; Kelley, R.; Champenois, S. T.

2017-12-01

This global survey presents a synthesis of some notable geotechnical and engineering information reflected in four interactive layer maps for selected: 1) deep mines and shafts; 2) existing, considered or planned radioactive waste management deep underground studies, sites, or disposal facilities; 3) deep large diameter boreholes, and 4) physics underground laboratories and facilities from around the world. These data are intended to facilitate user access to basic information and references regarding deep underground "facilities", history, activities, and plans. In general, the interactive maps and database [http://gis.inl.gov/globalsites/] provide each facility's approximate site location, geology, and engineered features (e.g.: access, geometry, depth, diameter, year of operations, groundwater, lithology, host unit name and age, basin; operator, management organization, geographic data, nearby cultural features, other). Although the survey is not all encompassing, it is a comprehensive review of many of the significant existing and historical underground facilities discussed in the literature addressing radioactive waste management and deep mined geologic disposal safety systems. The global survey is intended to support and to inform: 1) interested parties and decision makers; 2) radioactive waste disposal and siting option evaluations, and 3) safety case development as a communication tool applicable to any mined geologic disposal facility as a demonstration of historical and current engineering and geotechnical capabilities available for use in deep underground facility siting, planning, construction, operations and monitoring.

Geotechnical properties of cemented sands in steep slopes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Collins, B.D.; Sitar, N.

2009-01-01

An investigation into the geotechnical properties specific to assessing the stability of weakly and moderately cemented sand cliffs is presented. A case study from eroding coastal cliffs located in central California provides both the data and impetus for this study. Herein, weakly cemented sand is defined as having an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of less than 100 kPa, and moderately cemented sand is defined as having UCS between 100 and 400 kPa. Testing shows that both materials fail in a brittle fashion and can be modeled effectively using linear Mohr-Coulomb strength parameters, although for weakly cemented sands, curvature of the failure envelope is more evident with decreasing friction and increasing cohesion at higher confinement. Triaxial tests performed to simulate the evolving stress state of an eroding cliff, using a reduction in confinement-type stress path, result in an order of magnitude decrease in strain at failure and a more brittle response. Tests aimed at examining the influence of wetting on steep slopes show that a 60% decrease in UCS, a 50% drop in cohesion, and 80% decrease in the tensile strength occurs in moderately cemented sand upon introduction to water. In weakly cemented sands, all compressive, cohesive, and tensile strength is lost upon wetting and saturation. The results indicate that particular attention must be given to the relative level of cementation, the effects of groundwater or surficial seepage, and the small-scale strain response when performing geotechnical slope stability analyses on these materials. ?? 2009 ASCE.

Seismic Wave Amplification in Las Vegas: Site Characterization Measurements and Response Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louie, J. N.; Anderson, J. G.; Luke, B.; Snelson, C.; Taylor, W.; Rodgers, A.; McCallen, D.; Tkalcic, H.; Wagoner, J.

2004-12-01

As part of a multidisciplinary effort to understand seismic wave amplification in Las Vegas Valley, we conducted geotechnical and seismic refraction field studies, geologic and lithologic interpretation, and geophysical model building. Frequency-dependent amplifications (site response) and peak ground motions strongly correlate with site conditions as characterized by the models. The models include basin depths and velocities, which also correlate against ground motions. Preliminary geologic models were constructed from detailed geologic and fault mapping, logs of over 500 wells penetrating greater than 200 m depth, gravity-inversion results from the USGS, and USDA soil maps. Valley-wide refraction studies we conducted in 2002 and 2003 were inverted for constraints on basin geometry, and deep basin and basement P velocities with some 3-d control to depths of 5 km. Surface-wave studies during 2002-2004 characterized more than 75 sites within the Valley for shear velocity to depths exceeding 100 m, including all the legacy sites where nuclear-blast ground motions were recorded. The SASW and refraction-microtremor surface-surveying techniques proved to provide complementary, and coordinating Rayleigh dispersion-curve data at a dozen sites. Borehole geotechnical studies at a half-dozen sites confirmed the shear-velocity profiles that we derived from surface-wave studies. We then correlated all the geotechnical data against a detailed stratigraphic model, derived from drilling logs, to create a Valley-wide model for shallow site conditions. This well-log-based model predicts site measurements better than do models based solely on geologic or soil mapping.

Difficult Geotechnical Conditions Under the Palace Complex, Case Study from Cianowice, Near Krakow, Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil-Mastalerczyk, Joanna; Gil, Regina

2016-10-01

The palace complex in Cianowice near Krakow (Lesser Poland, Poland) built around 1890, after 1945 ceased to function as a residential, so the whole building underwent successive devastation. Military activities, ad hoc repairs and long-term shortage of funds in Poland, led to the destruction of the magnificent assumptions. Since 2006. Palace remained completely unsecured and unattended. Performed in 2012-2015 modernization of the historic palace with the expansion of the basement (for residential building multigenerational) has become the occasion for a thorough diagnosis of the prevailing geotechnical conditions and the state of preservation of threads stone and brick walls and vaults chambers basement. Difficult ground conditions, water penetration, lack of insulation of horizontal and vertical has become one of the main causes of the destruction of the foundations and walls of basements. Moisture from the ground, rising damp in the walls (with dissolved salts in it), evaporate causing erosion of the walls. The result it led to the weakening of the structural and breakout layers of walls. The phenomenon has become particularly clear after the geotechnical surveys, excavations and complete discovery of the basement walls. The conducted works related to general technical renovation and restoration, included foundations (lining and insulation), walls, floors and roof. The assumption palace in Cianowice, through appropriate interference with the use of modern and introduction of a new substance, in any manner that emphasizes value and historical monument became possible to restore the important significance of the object and place.

Analysis of hydrological and geotechnical aspects related to landslides caused by rainfall infiltration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capparelli, Giovanna; La Sala, Gabriella; Vena, Mirko; Donato, Antonio

2015-04-01

A landslide is defined as a perceptible downward and outward movement of slope-forming soil, rock, and vegetation under the influence of gravity. Landslides can be triggered by both natural and human-induced changes in the environment. However rainfall is recognized as a major precursor for many types of slope movements. As a result of rainfall events and subsequent infiltration into the subsoil, the soil moisture can be significantly changed with a decrease in matric suction in unsaturated soil layers and/or increase in pore-water pressure in saturated layers. As a consequence, in these cases, the shear strength can be reduced enough to trigger the failure. An effective way to develop such an understanding is by means of computer simulation using numerical model. As part of the project PON "Integrated Early Warning System" our main objective was just to develop a numerical models that was able to consider the relation between rainfall, pore pressure and slope stability taking into account several components, including specific site conditions, mechanical, hydraulic and physical soil properties, local seepage conditions, and the contribution of these to soil strength. In this work the mechanism behind rainfall-triggered landslides is modeled by using combined infiltration, seepage and stability analyses. This method allows the evaluation of the terrain and its response based on geological, physical, hydrogeological and mechanical characteristics. The model is based on the combined use of two modules: an hydraulic module, to analyze the subsoil water circulation due to the rainfall infiltration under transient conditions and a geotechnical module, which provides indications regarding the slope stability. With regard to hydraulic module, variably saturated porous media flows have been modeled by the classical nonlinear Richards equation; in the geotechnical module the differential equilibrium equations have been solved taking into account the linear constitutive equations (plane stress) and strain-displacement relationship. By means of the model it is possible to analyze subsoil water circulation, safety factor of the slope subjected to gravity loading and to the pore pressure calculated from hydraulic module, displacement, strain and stress under the effect of rainfall infiltration. As an application case, the analysis and the representative results obtained for the Torre Orsaia landslide (Campania region - Southern Italy) are described.

Criteria for a WYDOT culvert selection policy.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

This report discusses geotechnical and material considerations for culvert design and selection. The purpose of this report is to present the : Wyoming Department of Transportation with information in order to alter, improve, and incorporate changes ...

Continuous GPS : pilot applications - Phase II

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-08-01

The primary objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibility of applying Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in the study of geotechnical phenomenon by developing, integrating, and test deploying a GPS-based instrumentation package u...

7th international conference on case histories in geotechnical engineering.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

Funding used to enhance objectives of conference and to present successful case histories of varied project, orally, in posters and in : proceedings. This will become a storehouse of knowledge for future reference.

Automated pavement analysis in Missouri using ground penetrating radar

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-02-01

Current geotechnical procedures for monitoring the condition of roadways are time consuming and can be disruptive to traffic, often requiring extensive invasive procedures (e.g., coring). Ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology offers a methodology...

Joint analysis of epistemic and aleatory uncertainty in stability analysis for geo-hazard assessments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohmer, Jeremy; Verdel, Thierry

2017-04-01

Uncertainty analysis is an unavoidable task of stability analysis of any geotechnical systems. Such analysis usually relies on the safety factor SF (if SF is below some specified threshold), the failure is possible). The objective of the stability analysis is then to estimate the failure probability P for SF to be below the specified threshold. When dealing with uncertainties, two facets should be considered as outlined by several authors in the domain of geotechnics, namely "aleatoric uncertainty" (also named "randomness" or "intrinsic variability") and "epistemic uncertainty" (i.e. when facing "vague, incomplete or imprecise information" such as limited databases and observations or "imperfect" modelling). The benefits of separating both facets of uncertainty can be seen from a risk management perspective because: - Aleatoric uncertainty, being a property of the system under study, cannot be reduced. However, practical actions can be taken to circumvent the potentially dangerous effects of such variability; - Epistemic uncertainty, being due to the incomplete/imprecise nature of available information, can be reduced by e.g., increasing the number of tests (lab or in site survey), improving the measurement methods or evaluating calculation procedure with model tests, confronting more information sources (expert opinions, data from literature, etc.). Uncertainty treatment in stability analysis usually restricts to the probabilistic framework to represent both facets of uncertainty. Yet, in the domain of geo-hazard assessments (like landslides, mine pillar collapse, rockfalls, etc.), the validity of this approach can be debatable. In the present communication, we propose to review the major criticisms available in the literature against the systematic use of probability in situations of high degree of uncertainty. On this basis, the feasibility of using a more flexible uncertainty representation tool is then investigated, namely Possibility distributions (e.g., Baudrit et al., 2007) for geo-hazard assessments. A graphical tool is then developed to explore: 1. the contribution of both types of uncertainty, aleatoric and epistemic; 2. the regions of the imprecise or random parameters which contribute the most to the imprecision on the failure probability P. The method is applied on two case studies (a mine pillar and a steep slope stability analysis, Rohmer and Verdel, 2014) to investigate the necessity for extra data acquisition on parameters whose imprecision can hardly be modelled by probabilities due to the scarcity of the available information (respectively the extraction ratio and the cliff geometry). References Baudrit, C., Couso, I., & Dubois, D. (2007). Joint propagation of probability and possibility in risk analysis: Towards a formal framework. International Journal of Approximate Reasoning, 45(1), 82-105. Rohmer, J., & Verdel, T. (2014). Joint exploration of regional importance of possibilistic and probabilistic uncertainty in stability analysis. Computers and Geotechnics, 61, 308-315.

Response surface method in geotechnical/structural analysis, phase 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wong, F. S.

1981-02-01

In the response surface approach, an approximating function is fit to a long running computer code based on a limited number of code calculations. The approximating function, called the response surface, is then used to replace the code in subsequent repetitive computations required in a statistical analysis. The procedure of the response surface development and feasibility of the method are shown using a sample problem in slop stability which is based on data from centrifuge experiments of model soil slopes and involves five random soil parameters. It is shown that a response surface can be constructed based on as few as four code calculations and that the response surface is computationally extremely efficient compared to the code calculation. Potential applications of this research include probabilistic analysis of dynamic, complex, nonlinear soil/structure systems such as slope stability, liquefaction, and nuclear reactor safety.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alan E. Bland

Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) and Western Research Institute (WRI) have been developing flowable fill materials formulated using ash from the Montana-Dakota Utilities R. M. Heskett Station in Mandan, North Dakota. MDU and WRI have partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDIC) to further the development of these materials for lignite-fired fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) facilities. The MDU controlled density fill (CDF) appears to be a viable engineering material and environmentally safe. WRI is pursuing the commercialization of the technology under the trademark Ready-Fill{trademark}. The project objectives were to: (1) assess the market in themore » Bismarck-Mandan area; (2) evaluate the geotechnical properties and environmental compatibility; and (3) construct and monitor demonstrations of the various grades of flowable fill products in full-scale demonstrations. The scope of initial phase of work entailed the following: Task I--Assess Market for MDU Flowable Fill Products; Task II--Assess Geotechnical and Environmental Properties of MDU Flowable Fill Products; and Task III--Demonstrate and Monitor MDU Flowable Fill Products in Field-Scale Demonstrations. The results of these testing and demonstration activities proved the following: (1) The market assessment indicated that a market exists in the Bismarck-Mandan area for structural construction applications, such as sub-bases for residential and commercial businesses, and excavatable fill applications, such as gas line and utility trench filling. (2) The cost of the MDU flowable fill product must be lower than the current $35-$45/cubic yard price if it is to become a common construction material. Formulations using MDU ash and lower-cost sand alternatives offer that opportunity. An estimated market of 10,000 cubic yards of MDU flowable fill products could be realized if prices could be made competitive. (3) The geotechnical properties of the MDU ash-based flowable fill can be modified to meet the needs of a range of applications from structural fill applications to excavatable applications, such as utility trench fill. (4) Environmental assessments using standard testing indicate that the environmental properties of the fill materials are compatible with numerous construction applications and do not pose a threat to either adjacent groundwater or soils. (5) WRI developed an Environmental Field Simulator (EFS) method for assessing the impact of flowable fill materials on adjacent soils and found that the zone of impact is less than a couple of inches, thereby posing no threat to adjacent soils. (6) Field-scale demonstrations of the MDU flowable fill were constructed and were successful for structural, as well as excavatable applications. Monitoring has demonstrated the geotechnical performance, environmental performance, and compatibility with common embed materials with the MDU flowable fill products. Technical and economic issues were identified that may hinder the commercial acceptance of MDU flowable fill materials, including: (1) the ability to produce a consistent product; (2) the ability to provide a product year round (cold weather retards strength development); and (3) the ability to evaluate and produce commercial quantities of MDU flowable fill using inexpensive materials.« less

Experimental Investigations in Nonlinear Viscous Behavior of Subgrade Soils Under Traffic-Induced Loading

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-08-01

This paper concerns experimental investigations of nonlinear viscosity of : subgrade soils under vehicle-induced loading. Subgrade soil samples--collected : from the Soil/Aggregate Laboratory at the Geotechnical Exploration Division at : the Maryland...

Shear strength of clay and silt embankments : executive summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

Highway embankments constitute some of the most common geotechnical facilities being constructed by highway and transportation agencies. The design, construction, and field performance of these embankments are great importance to federal and state tr...

Implementation impacts : volume 2, summer 2013.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

Summary of research projects at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center. Projects in this issue include: : LTRC Project No. 06-4B, Optimization of Tack Coat for HMA Placement; : LTRC Project No. 10-2GT, : Geotechnical Information Database, Phase...

Evolution of Dynamic Analysis in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-02-01

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 calls for a study of U.S. international border crossings. The objective of the study is to identify existing and emerging trade corridors and transportation subsystems that facilita...

Measuring in situ mechanical properties of pavement subgrade soils

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-01-01

This synthesis report will be of interest to pavement and geotechnical design and research engineers, geologists and engineering geologists, and similar laboratory personnel. It describes the current practice for measuring the in situ mechanical prop...

Geophysical applications for arctic/subarctic transportation planning.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

This report describes a series of geophysical surveys conducted in conjunction with : geotechnical investigations carried out by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public : Facilities. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the value of an...

Geotechnical support and topical studies for nuclear waste geologic repositories

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1989-01-01

The present report lists the technical reviews and comments made during the fiscal year 1988 and summarizes the technical progress of the topical studies. In the area of technical assistance, there were numerous activities detailed in the next section. These included 24 geotechnical support activities, including reviews of 6 Study Plans (SP) and participation in 6 SP Review Workshops, review of one whole document Site Characterization Plan (SCP) and participation in the Assembled Document SCP Review Workshops by 6 LBL reviewers; the hosting of a DOE program review, the rewriting of the project statement of work, 2 trips to technicalmore » and planning meetings; preparation of proposed work statements for two new topics for DOE, and 5 instances of technical assistance to DOE. These activities are described in a Table in the following section entitled Geoscience Technical Support for Nuclear Waste Geologic Repositories.''« less

Random vectors and spatial analysis by geostatistics for geotechnical applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Young, D.S.

1987-08-01

Geostatistics is extended to the spatial analysis of vector variables by defining the estimation variance and vector variogram in terms of the magnitude of difference vectors. Many random variables in geotechnology are in vectorial terms rather than scalars, and its structural analysis requires those sample variable interpolations to construct and characterize structural models. A better local estimator will result in greater quality of input models; geostatistics can provide such estimators; kriging estimators. The efficiency of geostatistics for vector variables is demonstrated in a case study of rock joint orientations in geological formations. The positive cross-validation encourages application of geostatistics tomore » spatial analysis of random vectors in geoscience as well as various geotechnical fields including optimum site characterization, rock mechanics for mining and civil structures, cavability analysis of block cavings, petroleum engineering, and hydrologic and hydraulic modelings.« less

Underwater noise from geotechnical drilling and standard penetration testing.

PubMed

Erbe, Christine; McPherson, Craig

2017-09-01

Geotechnical site investigations prior to marine construction typically involve shallow, small-core drilling and standard penetration testing (SPT), during which a small tube is hammered into the ground at the bottom of the borehole. Drilling (120 kW, 83 mm diameter drillbit, 1500 rpm, 16-17 m drill depth in sand and mudstone) and SPT (50 mm diameter test tube, 15 mm wall thickness, 100 kg hammer, 1 m drop height) by a jack-up rig in 7-13 m of water were recorded with a drifting hydrophone at 10-50 m range. Source levels were 142-145 dB re 1 μPa rms @ 1 m (30-2000 Hz) for drilling and 151-160 dB re 1 μPa 2 s @ 1 m (20-24 000 Hz) for SPT.

Geotechnical aspects of the January 2003 Tecoma'n, Mexico, earthquake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wartman, Joseph; Rodriguez-Marek, Adrian; Macari, Emir J.; Deaton, Scott; Ramirez-Reynaga, Marti'n; Ochoa, Carlos N.; Callan, Sean; Keefer, David; Repetto, Pedro; Ovando-Shelley, Efrai'n

2005-01-01

Ground failure was the most prominent geotechnical engineering feature of the 21 January 2003 Mw 7.6 Tecoma´n earthquake. Ground failure impacted structures, industrial facilities, roads, water supply canals, and other critical infrastructure in the state of Colima and in parts of the neighboring states of Jalisco and Michoaca´n. Landslides and soil liquefaction were the most common type of ground failure, followed by seismic compression of unsaturated materials. Reinforced earth structures generally performed well during the earthquake, though some structures experienced permanent lateral deformations up to 10 cm. Different ground improvement techniques had been used to enhance the liquefaction resistance of several sites in the region, all of which performed well and exhibited no signs of damage or significant ground deformation. Earth dams in the region experienced some degree of permanent deformation but remained fully functional after the earthquake.

Project-based learning in Geotechnics: cooperative versus collaborative teamwork

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinho-Lopes, Margarida; Macedo, Joaquim

2016-01-01

Since 2007/2008 project-based learning models have been used to deliver two fundamental courses on Geotechnics in University of Aveiro, Portugal. These models have evolved and have encompassed either cooperative or collaborative teamwork. Using data collected in five editions of each course (Soil Mechanics I and Soil Mechanics II), the different characteristics of the models using cooperative or collaborative teamwork are pointed out and analysed, namely in terms of the students' perceptions. The data collected include informal feedback from students, monitoring of their marks and academic performance, and answers to two sets of questionnaires: developed for these courses, and institutional. The data indicate students have good opinion of the project-based learning model, though collaborative teamwork is the best rated. The overall efficacy of the models was analysed (sum of their effectiveness, efficiency and attractiveness). The collaborative model was found more adequate.

Geotechnical valorisation of large recycling concrete in FezMeknes region (Morocco)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demehati, A.; Abidi, A.; El Qandil, M.

2018-05-01

The growing and accelerated development of agglomerations is resulting in increasing pressure on deposits of materials as natural resources. This results in shortages of aggregates including sand. Situation in the different regions of Morocco, including that of FezMeknes. In addition, the threat to the stability or durability of buildings in general and road works and their annexes in particular is often started either from the surface of the grounds or from areas vulnerable to their geotechnical contact as seating materials surrounding them. The large concrete with recycles aggregates filling or protective mask provides adequate solutions. According to the results of our research, it offers a well-adapted physical and mechanical characterization in transition between conventional concretes, whether or not they are armed, and their support. Its use of protection against the effects of erosion or scouring and against the seismic movements further strengthens its potential field employment.

Geotechnical characterization of some Indian fly ashes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, S.K.; Yudhbir

2005-10-01

This paper reports the findings of experimental studies with regard to some common engineering properties (e.g., grain size, specific gravity, compaction characteristics, and unconfined compression strength) of both low and high calcium fly ashes, to evaluate their suitability as embankment materials and reclamation fills. In addition, morphology, chemistry, and mineralogy of fly ashes are studied using scanning electron microscope, electron dispersive x-ray analyzer, x-ray diffractometer, and infrared absorption spectroscopy. In high calcium fly ash, mineralogical and chemical differences are observed for particles, {gt}75 {mu} m and the particles of {lt} 45 {mu} m size. The mode and duration of curingmore » significantly affect the strength and stress-strain behavior of fly ashes. The geotechnical properties of fly ash are governed by factors like lime content (CaO), iron content (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and loss on ignition. The distinct difference between self-hardening and pozzolanic reactivity has been emphasized.« less

Preliminary Geological Findings on the BP-1 Simulant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rickman, D. L.

2010-01-01

The following is a summation of information and discussion between Doug Stoeser of the USGS and Doug Rickman of NASA in February and March, 2010 pertaining to the BP-1 simulant. The analytical results and the bulk of the text are from communications from Dr. Stoeser. The BP-1 simulant is made from Black Point Basalt Flow, San Francisco Volcanic Field, northern Arizona. There is an aggregate (road metal) quarry on the northern margin of the flow towards the west end that was used as a Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) analog test site. Silty material from this site was also used in laboratory tests and found to have geotechnical properties similar to the LHT-2M and Chenobi regolith simulants and is being proposed as a possible simulant for geotechnical use. It currently has the designation of BP-1 (Black Point 1). Figure

Digital geospatial presentation of geoelectrical and geotechnical data for the lower American River and flood plain, east Sacramento, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ball, Lyndsay B.; Burton, Bethany L.; Powers, Michael H.; Asch, Theodore H.

2015-01-01

To characterize the extent and thickness of lithologic units that may have differing scour potential, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has performed several geoelectrical surveys of the lower American River channel and flood plain between Cal Expo and the Rio Americano High School in east Sacramento, California. Additional geotechnical data have been collected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its contractors. Data resulting from these surveys have been compiled into similar database formats and converted to uniform geospatial datums and projections. These data have been visualized in a digital three-dimensional framework project that can be viewed using freely available software. These data facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the resistivity structure underlying the lower American River corridor and assist in levee system management.

Geotechnical aspects of locating the Łagiewnicka Route on the area of the "White Seas" in Kraków

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zięba, Jakub; Bazarnik, Mirosława

2018-04-01

The article presents the results of field studies and laboratory tests of the subsoil of the section of the ";Łagiewnicka" route located on the area of so-called "White Seas" [1] in Kraków-Łagiewniki. The analysed samples come from the layer of anthropogenic soils being the result of the operation of the Solvay Sodium Plant in the 20th century. The results of the geotechnical and land-surveying studies served as the basis for developing a numerical model to determine the pressure on the walls of the planned tunnel and the horizontal thrust in the planned excavation. Besides, the study and test results were used to perform an analysis of the excavation's stability and to check the impact of the sheet pile on land deformations near the John Paul II Centre in Kraków.

Surface Wave Characterization of New Orleans Levee Soil Foundations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delisser, T. A.; Lorenzo, J. M.; Hayashi, K.; Craig, M. S.

2016-12-01

Standard geotechnical tests such as the drilling of boreholes and cone penetration tests are able to assess soil stability at point locations vertically but lack lateral resolution in a complex sedimentary environment, such as the Louisiana Coastal system. Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) can complement geotechnical tests to improve certainty in resolving lateral features when predicting soil types in the near surface of levee soil foundations. A portion of the Inner-Harbor Navigation Canal levee wall that intersects the 9th Ward of New Orleans failed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Failures were attributed to floodwaters overtopping the levee wall and eroding its base. Geotechnical and geological data from test points can be used to calibrate continuous shear strength estimates derived from MASW. It is important to understand soil stability and strength to prevent future failures in New Orleans levee foundation soils. MASW analyzes the dispersive property of Rayleigh waves to develop shear wave velocity profiles for the near surface. Data are acquired using a seismic land streamer containing 4.5-Hz vertical-component geophones and a sledgehammer as the source. We plot and contour 18 inverted models of the interpreted fundamental mode and generate a 200-m-long profile to help us (1) better understand the characteristics of levee foundation soils as well as (2) improve existing geological cross-sections to help in future planning and maintenance of the levees. In comparison to the prior geological models, we find unexpected large vertical and horizontal shear-velocity gradients, as well as relatively low shear strengths throughout the seismic profile.

A Global Survey of Deep Underground Facilities; Examples of Geotechnical and Engineering Capabilities, Achievements, Challenges (Mines, Shafts, Tunnels, Boreholes, Sites and Underground Facilities for Nuclear Waste and Physics R&D): A Guide to Interactive Global Map Layers, Table Database, References and Notes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tynan, Mark C.; Russell, Glenn P.; Perry, Frank V.

These associated tables, references, notes, and report present a synthesis of some notable geotechnical and engineering information used to create four interactive layer maps for selected: 1) deep mines and shafts; 2) existing, considered or planned radioactive waste management deep underground studies or disposal facilities 3) deep large diameter boreholes, and 4) physics underground laboratories and facilities from around the world. These data are intended to facilitate user access to basic information and references regarding “deep underground” facilities, history, activities, and plans. In general, the interactive maps and database provide each facility’s approximate site location, geology, and engineered features (e.g.:more » access, geometry, depth, diameter, year of operations, groundwater, lithology, host unit name and age, basin; operator, management organization, geographic data, nearby cultural features, other). Although the survey is not comprehensive, it is representative of many of the significant existing and historical underground facilities discussed in the literature addressing radioactive waste management and deep mined geologic disposal safety systems. The global survey is intended to support and to inform: 1) interested parties and decision makers; 2) radioactive waste disposal and siting option evaluations, and 3) safety case development applicable to any mined geologic disposal facility as a demonstration of historical and current engineering and geotechnical capabilities available for use in deep underground facility siting, planning, construction, operations and monitoring.« less

Elevated lateral stress in unlithified sediment, Midcontinent, United States - geotechnical and geophysical indicators for a tectonic origin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Woolery, E.W.; Schaefer, J.A.; Wang, Z.

2003-01-01

Indirect and direct geotechnical measurements revealed the presence of high lateral earth pressure (Ko) in shallow, unlithified sediment at a site in the northernmost Mississippi embayment region of the central United States. Results from pile-load and pressuremeter tests showed maximum Ko values greater than 10; however, the complex geologic environment of the Midcontinent made defining an origin for the anomalous Ko based solely on these measurements equivocal. Although in situ sediment characteristics indicated that indirect tectonic or nontectonic geologic mechanisms that include transient overburden loads (e.g., fluvial deposition/erosion, glacial advance/retreat) and dynamic shear loads (e.g., earthquakes) were not the dominant cause, they were unable to provide indicators for a direct tectonic generation. Localized stresses induced anthropogenically by the geotechnical field tests were also considered, but ruled out as the primary origin. A high-resolution shear-wave (SH) reflection image of geologic structure in the immediate vicinity of the test site revealed compression-style neotectonism, and suggested that the elevated stress was a tectonic manifestation. Post-Paleozoic reflectors exhibit a Tertiary (?) structural inversion, as evidenced by post-Cretaceous fault displacement and pronounced positive folds in the hanging wall of the interpreted faults. The latest stratigraphic extent of the stress effects (i.e., all measurements were in the Late Cretaceous to Tertiary McNairy Formation), as well as the relationship of stress orientation with the orientation of local structure and regional stress, remain unknown. These are the subjects of ongoing studies. ?? 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

A microcomputer-based data acquisition and control system for the direct shear, ring shear, triaxial shear, and consolidation tests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Powers, Philip S.

1983-01-01

This report is intended to provide internal documentation for the U.S. Geological Survey laboratory's automatic data acquisition system. The operating procedures for each type of test are designed to independently lead a first-time user through the various stages of using the computer to control the test. Continuing advances in computer technology and the availability of desktop microcomputers with a wide variety of peripheral equipment at a reasonable cost can create an efficient automated geotechnical testing environment. A geotechnical testing environment is shown in figure 1. Using an automatic data acquisition system, laboratory test data from a variety of sensors can be collected, and manually or automatically recorded on a magnetic device at the same apparent time. The responses of a test can be displayed graphically on a CRT in a matter of seconds, giving the investigator an opportunity to evaluate the test data, and to make timely, informed decisions on such matters as whether to continue testing, abandon a test, or modify procedures. Data can be retrieved and results reported in tabular form, or graphic plots, suitable for publication. Thermistors, thermocouples, load cells, pressure transducers, and linear variable differential transformers are typical sensors which are incorporated in automated systems. The geotechnical tests which are most practical to automate are the long-term tests which often require readings to be recorded outside normal work hours and on weekends. Automation applications include incremental load consolidation tests, constant-rate-of-strain consolidation tests, direct shear tests, ring shear tests, and triaxial shear tests.

Geotechnical centrifuge under construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richman, Barbara T.

Modifications are underway at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center in California to transform a centrifuge used in the Apollo space program to the largest geotechnical centrifuge in the free world. The centrifuge, to be finished in August and opened next January, following check out and tuning, will enable geoscientists to model stratigraphic features down to 275 m below the earth's surface. Scientists will be able to model processes that are coupled with body force loading, including earthquake response of earth structures and soil structure interaction; rubbled-bed behavior during in situ coal gasification or in oil shale in situ retorts; behavior of frozen soil; frost heave; behavior of offshore structures; wave-seabed interactions; explosive cratering; and blast-induced liquefaction.The centrifuge will have a load capacity of 900-g-tons (short); that is, it will be able to carry a net soil load of 3 short tons to a centripetal acceleration of 300 times the acceleration caused by gravity. Modified for a total cost of $2.4 million, the centrifuge will have an arm with a 7.6-m radius and a swinging platform or bucket at its end that will be able to carry a payload container measuring 2.1×2.1 m. An additional future input of $500,000 would enable the purchase of a larger bucket that could accommodate a load of up to 20 tons, according to Charles Babendreier, program director for geotechnical engineering at the National Science Foundation. Additional cooling for the motor would also be required. The centrifuge has the capability of accelerating the 20-ton load to 100 g.

Geotechnical assessment of road failure and slope monitoring along Nsukka-Adoru-Idah highway, Southeastern Nigeria.

PubMed

Maduka, Raphael Iweanya; Igwe, Ogbonnaya; Ayogu, Nnadozie Onyekachi; Ayogu, Chinero Nneka; Nwachukwu, Martin

2017-01-01

The quality of highway pavement is greatly influenced by the subgrade materials, the general geology of the area, and the materials used for construction. Investigation into the 75-km Nsukka-Adoru-Idah highway revealed that the pavement was underlain by three lithological units-Imo, Nsukka, and Ajali formations. The geotechnical evaluation carried out in the study includes the particle size distribution, Atterberg limit, specific gravity, compaction tests, and California bearing ratio (CBR). The base course has clay/silt (7-14%), fine sand (1-4%), medium sand (6-13%), and coarse sand (65-86%), while the subgrade presented clay/silt (74-82%), fine sand (6-9%), medium sand (10-17%), and coarse sand (1-3%). The average specific gravity results for the studied base course and subgrades are 2.58 and 2.52. Liquid limit (LL) result ranges from 27 to 60%, while plastic limit (PL) ranges between 17 and 24%, and plasticity index (PI) ranges from 5 to 39%. The maximum dry density (MDD) result ranges from 1.70 to 2.10 mg/m 3 , while the optimum moisture content (OMC) for the samples ranges between 14.1 and 18.0%. The CBR result for soaked and unsoaked samples ranges from 37 to 74 and 48 to 83%, respectively. The low unsoaked CBR (<80%) and high Atterberg limits (LL > 30% and PI > 12%) failed the stipulated Nigerian standard, signifying the need for stabilization. A geotechnical model of a highway road cut generated a factor of safety of 1.45, indicating possibility of slope failure.

An integrated approach coupling physically based models and probabilistic method to assess quantitatively landslide susceptibility at different scale: application to different geomorphological environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandromme, Rosalie; Thiéry, Yannick; Sedan, Olivier; Bernardie, Séverine

2016-04-01

Landslide hazard assessment is the estimation of a target area where landslides of a particular type, volume, runout and intensity may occur within a given period. The first step to analyze landslide hazard consists in assessing the spatial and temporal failure probability (when the information is available, i.e. susceptibility assessment). Two types of approach are generally recommended to achieve this goal: (i) qualitative approach (i.e. inventory based methods and knowledge data driven methods) and (ii) quantitative approach (i.e. data-driven methods or deterministic physically based methods). Among quantitative approaches, deterministic physically based methods (PBM) are generally used at local and/or site-specific scales (1:5,000-1:25,000 and >1:5,000, respectively). The main advantage of these methods is the calculation of probability of failure (safety factor) following some specific environmental conditions. For some models it is possible to integrate the land-uses and climatic change. At the opposite, major drawbacks are the large amounts of reliable and detailed data (especially materials type, their thickness and the geotechnical parameters heterogeneity over a large area) and the fact that only shallow landslides are taking into account. This is why they are often used at site-specific scales (> 1:5,000). Thus, to take into account (i) materials' heterogeneity , (ii) spatial variation of physical parameters, (iii) different landslide types, the French Geological Survey (i.e. BRGM) has developed a physically based model (PBM) implemented in a GIS environment. This PBM couples a global hydrological model (GARDENIA®) including a transient unsaturated/saturated hydrological component with a physically based model computing the stability of slopes (ALICE®, Assessment of Landslides Induced by Climatic Events) based on the Morgenstern-Price method for any slip surface. The variability of mechanical parameters is handled by Monte Carlo approach. The probability to obtain a safety factor below 1 represents the probability of occurrence of a landslide for a given triggering event. The dispersion of the distribution gives the uncertainty of the result. Finally, a map is created, displaying a probability of occurrence for each computing cell of the studied area. In order to take into account the land-uses change, a complementary module integrating the vegetation effects on soil properties has been recently developed. Last years, the model has been applied at different scales for different geomorphological environments: (i) at regional scale (1:50,000-1:25,000) in French West Indies and French Polynesian islands (ii) at local scale (i.e.1:10,000) for two complex mountainous areas; (iii) at the site-specific scale (1:2,000) for one landslide. For each study the 3D geotechnical model has been adapted. The different studies have allowed : (i) to discuss the different factors included in the model especially the initial 3D geotechnical models; (ii) to precise the location of probable failure following different hydrological scenarii; (iii) to test the effects of climatic change and land-use on slopes for two cases. In that way, future changes in temperature, precipitation and vegetation cover can be analyzed, permitting to address the impacts of global change on landslides. Finally, results show that it is possible to obtain reliable information about future slope failures at different scale of work for different scenarii with an integrated approach. The final information about landslide susceptibility (i.e. probability of failure) can be integrated in landslide hazard assessment and could be an essential information source for future land planning. As it has been performed in the ANR Project SAMCO (Society Adaptation for coping with Mountain risks in a global change COntext), this analysis constitutes a first step in the chain for risk assessment for different climate and economical development scenarios, to evaluate the resilience of mountainous areas.

Optimization and management of materials in earthwork construction : final report, April 2010.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-04-01

As a result of forensic investigations of problems across Iowa, a research study was developed aimed at providing solutions to identified : problems through better management and optimization of the available pavement geotechnical materials and throu...

Geotechnical Materials Database for Embankment Design and Construction

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

This project was focused on the assimilation of engineering properties of borrow soils across the state of : South Carolina. Extensive data on soils used for embankment construction were evaluated and compared : within Group A (Piedmont) and Group B ...

Improving design phase evaluations for high pile rebound sites : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-05-31

A testing program performed to help determine typical soils properties encountered during pile installation when high rebound : occurs produced a decision matrix for geotechnical engineers. High pile rebound (HPR) occurred at numerous sites in Florid...

Modeling and analysis to quantify MSE wall behavior and performance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

To better understand potential sources of adverse performance of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls, a suite of analytical models was studied using the computer program FLAC, a numerical modeling computer program widely used in geotechnical en...

Comprehensive shear wave velocity study in the Popular Bluff Area, Southeast Missouri.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-04-30

The University of Missouri-Rolla in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Transportation acquired : multiple geophysical, geotechnical and borehole data sets in the Poplar Bluff study area. The primary objective : was to evaluate the utility ...

Development of a geotechnical information database : technical summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-08-01

The knowledge of existing soil conditions prior to road and bridge construction can : reduce construction cost, time, and headaches. The field data and laboratory results : collected far in advance of project construction are often slow to reach the ...

Appendix : liquefaction damage to bridges and approach embankment : catalog of selected case histories.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-11-01

The catalog documents the seismic performance of bridges and ancillary components in the presence of liquefaction-induced ground displacements. Data pertaining to seismological, geotechnical, and structural aspects of numerous case studies are presen...

Shear strength of clay and silt embankments.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-09-01

Highway embankment is one of the most common large-scale geotechnical facilities constructed in Ohio. In the past, the design of these embankments was largely based on soil shear strength properties that had been estimated from previously published e...

Landslide hazard rating matrix and database : vol. 1 of 2.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-12-01

The Office of Geotechnical Engineering (OGE) of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) : recognizes the need to develop a strategy to provide timely preventive maintenance to avoid on-set of : large or catastrophic slope failures. Furthermore, ...

Construction of the bridge in the cavern in the Vrata tunnel (Croatia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garasic, Mladen; Sasa Kovacevic, Meho; Juric-Kacunic, Danijela

2010-05-01

In the Dinaric karst system in Croatia some 11500 speleological objects have been explored so far, more than 1000 of which were discovered during construction works. Such speleological objects without natural entrance on the terrain surface (which are called "caverns") have been discovered on the construction sites of the highways. Over the past twenty years they have been systematically investigated and treated. A special kind of remediation was conducted in the cavern's large hall of the "Vrata" tunnel on the Zagreb - Rijeka highway. Due to size, shape, cavern's position and hydrogeological parameters (fissured and karstified aquifers) within the karst system it was necessary to design and construct a 58 m bridge over the cavern. In addition, the cavern's vault had to be reinforced and stabilized, as the overburden was very thin. The beam-and -stringer grid with special anchors was used. The cavern's rehabilitation in the "Vrata" tunnel was a unique undertaking, and the bridge (without piers) is the cavern's longest bridge in the world. A speleological object of large dimensions was discovered in the "Vrata"tunnel's right tube on the Rijeka-Zagreb highway. Speleological, geotechnical, engineering geological and hydrogeological investigation works were carried out for the purpose of preservation the speleological object (cavern). On the basis of classification results of rock masses and conducted numerical analyses the support system for the cavern's vault stabilization was selected. The support system's elements include the beam-and-stringer grid constructed on the terrain's surface above the cavern, tendons and geotechnical anchors. To ensure stability of the speleological object, and to conduct the backward numerical analyses the measurement of vertical deformations from the terrain's surface along the rock's mass by means of sliding micrometers was undertaken. Backward numerical analyses combined with geotechnical measurements enable safer and more rational approach to design and construction of underground structures. They contribute to the knowledge on rock mass performance and to determination of its physical and mechanical parameters connecting them with rock classification results. The analyses are a great help in verification or modification of elements' features of primary support system. Tunnel and bridge in tunnel "Vrata" were opened for traffic in November 2008. Keywords: speleology, cave, Dinaric karst, Croatia, tunnel, karst phenomena, geotechnical engineering.

Bypassing and tightening of an underground water retention system in permeable karst: case study of the hydropower plant (HPP) Bribin, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kudella, Peter; Loges, Iryna; Mutschler, Thomas; Eiche, Elisabeth; Ruppert, Julia; Neumann, Thomas

2016-09-01

In the framework of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) joint research project in the karst area of Gunung Kidul, Province of Yogyakarta Special Region on the Java Island, Indonesia, an underground hydropower driven water extraction facility in the cave "Bribin" was developed using pump-as-turbine-driven systems for freshwater supply of the rural area. As numerous other caves in the Gunung Kidul area, Bribin is part of a ramified system of all-season water-bearing subterraneous rivers and natural caves in karstic limestone. The elliptic cross section of the cave was completely closed with a concrete barrage, thus creating a year-round underground retention volume with an operational storage level of approx. 15 m. This contribution highlights the geotechnical and geohydraulic challenges handled within the sub-project "Short-time and long-time behaviour of karst rock surrounding pressure-bearing underground water-retaining structures". One key to the feasibility of an artificial water retention scheme in a natural cave is to ensure the mechanical stability of the cave roof and sidewalls. The necessary geotechnical investigations are described. Another key to the effectiveness of such a water retention concept is the control and minimization of "lost" seepage water bypassing the barrage structure through the karst rock mass. Measures to monitor and to explain the seepage phenomena are presented as well as grouting efforts to minimize them. The limitations of improving the overall tightness will be discussed. Interpretation includes the use of analytical and numerical methods.

Reuse of coal mining wastes in civil engineering. Part 1: Properties of minestone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skarzynska, K.M.

1995-07-01

This review is intended to introduce the readers to the geotechnical properties of minestone obtained from various countries and to describe laboratory and field methods used to examine and evaluate such material. The contents of the paper consist of general information on the environmental consequences of coal mining, the origin of the by-product, and the classification of the material. Primary emphasis has been placed on describing the physical and mechanical properties with respect to geotechnical engineering. Characteristic properties, such as degradation, weathering, spontaneous heating, etc., are specific for this man-made soil and are discussed in relationship to civil engineering. Finally,more » the current and far-reaching effects of existing radioactivity is also presented. Preparation of the review is based on an extensive literature survey, as well as on the investigations of the author and practical applications. A general conclusion can be made from the reviewed data that a noticeable similarity does exist between the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of minestone from different sources and countries. this is important because the research results and practical experience obtained in one country may then be applied to projects in another country. The review should be helpful in understanding the behavior of minestone during its transport for prospective utilization in different engineering projects. The author hopes that the information will be useful to those studying environmental, civil, and water engineering, as well as for designers and researchers investigating the potential use of this man-made (anthropogenic) soil in various fields of engineering.« less

Delineating Bukit Bunuh impact crater boundary by geophysical and geotechnical investigation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Azwin, I. N., E-mail: nurazwinismail@yahoo.com; Rosli, S.; Nordiana, M. M.

2015-03-30

Evidences of crater morphology and shock metamorphism in Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong, Malaysia were found during the archaeological research conducted by the Centre for Global Archaeological Research Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia. In order to register Bukit Bunuh as one of the world meteorite impact site, detailed studies are needed to verify the boundary of the crater accordingly. Geophysical study was conducted utilising the seismic refraction and 2-D electrical resistivity method. Seismic refraction survey was done using ABEM MK8 24 channel seismograph with 14Hz geophones and 40kg weight drop while 2-D electrical resistivity survey was performed using ABEM SAS4000 Terrameter and ES10-64Cmore » electrode selector with pole-dipole array. Bedrock depths were digitized from the sections obtained. The produced bedrock topography map shows that there is low bedrock level circulated by high elevated bedrock and interpreted as crater and rim respectively with diameter approximately 8km. There are also few spots of high elevated bedrock appear at the centre of the crater which interpreted as rebounds zone. Generally, the research area is divided into two layers where the first layer with velocity 400-1100 m/s and resistivity value of 10-800 Om predominantly consists of alluvium mix with gravel and boulders. Second layer represents granitic bedrock with depth of 5-50m having velocity >2100 m/s and resistivity value of >1500 Om. This research is strengthen by good correlation between geophysical data and geotechnical borehole records executed inside and outside of the crater, on the rim, as well as at the rebound area.« less

Delineating Bukit Bunuh impact crater boundary by geophysical and geotechnical investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azwin, I. N.; Rosli, S.; Mokhtar, S.; Nordiana, M. M.; Ragu, R. R.; Mark, J.

2015-03-01

Evidences of crater morphology and shock metamorphism in Bukit Bunuh, Lenggong, Malaysia were found during the archaeological research conducted by the Centre for Global Archaeological Research Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia. In order to register Bukit Bunuh as one of the world meteorite impact site, detailed studies are needed to verify the boundary of the crater accordingly. Geophysical study was conducted utilising the seismic refraction and 2-D electrical resistivity method. Seismic refraction survey was done using ABEM MK8 24 channel seismograph with 14Hz geophones and 40kg weight drop while 2-D electrical resistivity survey was performed using ABEM SAS4000 Terrameter and ES10-64C electrode selector with pole-dipole array. Bedrock depths were digitized from the sections obtained. The produced bedrock topography map shows that there is low bedrock level circulated by high elevated bedrock and interpreted as crater and rim respectively with diameter approximately 8km. There are also few spots of high elevated bedrock appear at the centre of the crater which interpreted as rebounds zone. Generally, the research area is divided into two layers where the first layer with velocity 400-1100 m/s and resistivity value of 10-800 Om predominantly consists of alluvium mix with gravel and boulders. Second layer represents granitic bedrock with depth of 5-50m having velocity >2100 m/s and resistivity value of >1500 Om. This research is strengthen by good correlation between geophysical data and geotechnical borehole records executed inside and outside of the crater, on the rim, as well as at the rebound area.

Submarine slope earthquake-induced instability and associated tsunami generation potential along the Hyblean-Malta Escarpment (offshore eastern Sicily, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ausilia Paparo, Maria; Pagnoni, Gianluca; Zaniboni, Filippo; Tinti, Stefano

2016-04-01

The stability analysis of offshore margins is an important step for the assessment of natural hazard: the main challenge is to evaluate the potential slope failures and the consequent occurrence of submarine tsunamigenic landslides to mitigate the potential coastal damage to inhabitants and infrastructures. But the limited geotechnical knowledge of the underwater soil and the controversial scientific interpretation of the tectonic units make it often difficult to carry out this type of analysis reliably. We select the Hyblean-Malta Escarpment (HME), the main active geological structure offshore eastern Sicily, because the amount of data from historical chronicles, the records about strong earthquakes and tsunami, and the numerous geological offshore surveys carried out in recent years make the region an excellent scenario to evaluate slope failures, mass movements triggered by earthquakes and the consequent tsunamis. We choose several profiles along the HME and analyse their equilibrium conditions using the Minimun Lithostatic Deviation (MLD) method (Tinti and Manucci, 2006, 2008; Paparo et al. 2013), that is based on the limit-equilibrium theory. Considering the morphological and geotechnical features of the offshore slopes, we prove that large-earthquake shaking may lead some zones of the HME to instability, we evaluate the expected volumes involved in sliding and compute the associated landslide-tsunami through numerical tsunami simulations. This work was carried out in the frame of the EU Project called ASTARTE - Assessment, STrategy And Risk Reduction for Tsunamis in Europe (Grant 603839, 7th FP, ENV.2013.6.4-3).

Geological and Seismic Data Mining For The Development of An Interpretation System Within The Alptransit Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klose, C. D.; Giese, R.; Löw, S.; Borm, G.

Especially for deep underground excavations, the prediction of the locations of small- scale hazardous geotechnical structures is nearly impossible when exploration is re- stricted to surface based methods. Hence, for the AlpTransit base tunnels, exploration ahead has become an essential component of the excavation plan. The project de- scribed in this talk aims at improving the technology for the geological interpretation of reflection seismic data. The discovered geological-seismic relations will be used to develop an interpretation system based on artificial intelligence to predict hazardous geotechnical structures of the advancing tunnel face. This talk gives, at first, an overview about the data mining of geological and seismic properties of metamorphic rocks within the Penninic gneiss zone in Southern Switzer- land. The data results from measurements of a specific geophysical prediction system developed by the GFZ Potsdam, Germany, along the 2600 m long and 1400 m deep Faido access tunnel. The goal is to find those seismic features (i.e. compression and shear wave velocities, velocity ratios and velocity gradients) which show a significant relation to geological properties (i.e. fracturing and fabric features). The seismic properties were acquired from different tomograms, whereas the geolog- ical features derive from tunnel face maps. The features are statistically compared with the seismic rock properties taking into account the different methods used for the tunnel excavation (TBM and Drill/Blast). Fracturing and the mica content stay in a positive relation to the velocity values. Both, P- and S-wave velocities near the tunnel surface describe the petrology better, whereas in the interior of the rock mass they correlate to natural micro- and macro-scopic fractures surrounding tectonites, i.e. cataclasites. The latter lie outside of the excavation damage zone and the tunnel loos- ening zone. The shear wave velocities are better indicators for rock fracturing than compression wave velocities. The velocity ratios indicate the mica content and the water content of the rocks.

A progress report on the ARRA-funded geotechnical site characterization project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, A. J.; Yong, A.; Stokoe, K.; Di Matteo, A.; Diehl, J.; Jack, S.

2011-12-01

For the past 18 months, the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has funded geotechnical site characterizations at 189 seismographic station sites in California and the central U.S. This ongoing effort applies methods involving surface-wave techniques, which include the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique and one or more of the following: spectral analysis of surface wave (SASW), active and passive multi-channel analysis of surface wave (MASW) and passive array microtremor techniques. From this multi-method approach, shear-wave velocity profiles (VS) and the time-averaged shear-wave velocity of the upper 30 meters (VS30) are estimated for each site. To accommodate the variability in local conditions (e.g., rural and urban soil locales, as well as weathered and competent rock sites), conventional field procedures are often modified ad-hoc to fit the unanticipated complexity at each location. For the majority of sites (>80%), fundamental-mode Rayleigh wave dispersion-based techniques are deployed and where complex geology is encountered, multiple test locations are made. Due to the presence of high velocity layers, about five percent of the locations require multi-mode inversion of Rayleigh wave (MASW-based) data or 3-D array-based inversion of SASW dispersion data, in combination with shallow P-wave seismic refraction and/or HVSR results. Where a strong impedance contrast (i.e. soil over rock) exists at shallow depth (about 10% of sites), dominant higher modes limit the use of Rayleigh wave dispersion techniques. Here, use of the Love wave dispersion technique, along with seismic refraction and/or HVSR data, is required to model the presence of shallow bedrock. At a small percentage of the sites, surface wave techniques are found not suitable for stand-alone deployment and site characterization is limited to the use of the seismic refraction technique. A USGS Open File Report-describing the surface geology, VS profile and the calculated VS30 for each site-will be prepared after the completion of the project in November 2011.

Contribution of physical modelling to climate-driven landslide hazard mapping: an alpine test site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandromme, R.; Desramaut, N.; Baills, A.; Hohmann, A.; Grandjean, G.; Sedan, O.; Mallet, J. P.

2012-04-01

The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for integrating climate change scenarios into quantitative hazard assessment and especially their precipitation component. The effects of climate change will be different depending on both the location of the site and the type of landslide considered. Indeed, mass movements can be triggered by different factors. This paper describes a methodology to address this issue and shows an application on an alpine test site. Mechanical approaches represent a solution for quantitative landslide susceptibility and hazard modeling. However, as the quantity and the quality of data are generally very heterogeneous at a regional scale, it is necessary to take into account the uncertainty in the analysis. In this perspective, a new hazard modeling method is developed and integrated in a program named ALICE. This program integrates mechanical stability analysis through a GIS software taking into account data uncertainty. This method proposes a quantitative classification of landslide hazard and offers a useful tool to gain time and efficiency in hazard mapping. However, an expertise approach is still necessary to finalize the maps. Indeed it is the only way to take into account some influent factors in slope stability such as heterogeneity of the geological formations or effects of anthropic interventions. To go further, the alpine test site (Barcelonnette area, France) is being used to integrate climate change scenarios into ALICE program, and especially their precipitation component with the help of a hydrological model (GARDENIA) and the regional climate model REMO (Jacob, 2001). From a DEM, land-cover map, geology, geotechnical data and so forth the program classifies hazard zones depending on geotechnics and different hydrological contexts varying in time. This communication, realized within the framework of Safeland project, is supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, Area "Environment", Activity 1.3.3.1 "Prediction of triggering and risk assessment for landslides".

Evaluation of ground deformations induced by the 1999 Kocaeli earthquake (Turkey) at selected sites on shorelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aydan, Ömer; Ulusay, Reşat; Atak, Veysel Okan

2008-03-01

The Kocaeli earthquake ( M w = 7.4) of 17 August 1999 occurred in the Eastern Marmara Region of Turkey along the North Anadolu Fault and resulted in a very serious loss of life and property. One of the most important geotechnical issues of this event was the permanent ground deformations because of both liquefaction and faulting. These deformations occurred particularly along the southern shores of İzmit Bay and Sapanca Lake between the cities of Yalova and Adapazarı in the west and east, respectively. In this study, three sites founded on delta fans, namely Değirmendere Nose, Yeniköy tea garden at Seymen on the coast of İzmit Bay, and Vakıf Hotel site on the coast of Sapanca Lake were selected as typical cases. The main causes of the ground deformations at these sites were then investigated. Geotechnical characterization of the ground, derivation of displacement vectors from the pre- and post-earthquake aerial photographs, liquefaction assessments based on field performance data, and analyses carried out using the sliding body method have been fundamental in this study. The displacement vectors determined from photogrammetric evaluations conducted at Değirmendere and Seymen showed a combined movement of faulting and liquefaction. But except the movements in the close vicinity of shorelines, the dominant factor in this movement was faulting. The results obtained from the analyses suggested that the ground failure at Değirmendere was a submarine landslide mainly because of earthquake shaking rather than liquefaction. On the other hand, the ground failures at the Yeniköy tea garden on the coast of Seymen and the hotel area in Sapanca town resulted from liquefaction-induced lateral spreading. It was also obtained that the ground deformations estimated from the sliding body method were quite close to those measured by aerial photogrammetry technique.

Top-down or bottom-up? Assessing crevassing directions on surging glaciers and developments for physically testing glacier crevassing models.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rea, B.; Evans, D. J. A.; Benn, D. I.; Brennan, A. J.

2012-04-01

Networks of crevasse squeeze ridges (CSRs) preserved on the forelands of many surging glaciers attest to extensive full-depth crevassing. Full-depth connections have been inferred from turbid water up-welling in crevasses and the formation of concertina eskers however, it has not been clearly established if the crevasses formed from the top-down or the bottom-up. A Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) approach is used to determine the likely propagation direction for Mode I crevasses on seven surging glaciers. Results indicate that, the high extensional surface strain rates are insufficient to promote top-down full-depth crevasses but have sufficient magnitude to penetrate to depths of 4-12 m, explaining the extensive surface breakup accompanying glacier surges. Top-down, full-depth crevassing is only possible when water depth approaches 97% of the crevasse depth. However, the provision of sufficient meltwater is problematic due to the aforementioned extensive shallow surface crevassing. Full-depth, bottom-up crevassing can occur provided basal water pressures are in excess of 80-90% of flotation which is the default for surging and on occasion water pressures may even become artesian. Therefore CSRs, found across many surging glacier forelands and ice margins most likely result from the infilling of basal crevasses formed, for the most part, by bottom-up hydrofracturing. Despite the importance of crevassing for meltwater routing and calving dynamics physically testing numerical crevassing models remains problematic due to technological limitations, changing stress regimes and difficulties associated with working in crevasse zones on glaciers. Mapping of CSR spacing and matching to surface crevasse patterns can facilitate quantitative comparison between the LEFM model and observed basal crevasses provided ice dynamics are known. However, assessing full-depth top-down crevasse propagation is much harder to monitor in the field and no geomorphological record is preserved. An alternative approach is provided by geotechnical centrifuge modelling. By testing scaled models in an enhanced 'gravity' field real-world (prototype) stress conditions can be reproduced which is crucial for problems governed by self-weight stresses, of which glacier crevassing is one. Scaling relationships have been established for stress intensity factors - KI which are key to determining crevasse penetration such that KIp = √N KIm (p = prototype and m = model). Operating specifications of the University of Dundee geotechnical centrifuge (100g) will allow the testing of scaled models equivalent to prototype glaciers of 50 m thickness in order to provide a physical test of the LEFM top-down crevassing model.

Correlation of engineering parameters of the presumpscot formation to the seismic cone penetration test (SCPTU).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-08-01

The seismic cone penetration test with pore pressure measurement (SCPTu) is a geotechnical investigation technique which : involves pushing a sensitized cone into the subsurface at a constant rate while continuously measuring tip resistance, sleeve :...

Implementation of gINT software at the Virginia Department of Transportation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

A set of software tools was developed to enable staff of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and consultants to streamline processing of subsurface exploration data. Built around the gINT program (geotechnical database and graphics packa...

On reducing bumps at pavement-bridge interface.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-12-21

This report contains the causes and long-term solutions to the bumps at bridge/approach slab and/or approach slab/pavement interface. A research was conducted on both structural and geotechnical aspects of an approach slab. : A 3-D finite element ana...

Sonar imaging of flooded subsurface voids phase I : proof of concept.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-04-15

Damage to Ohio highways due to subsidence or collapse of subsurface voids is a serious problem : for the Office of Geotechnical Engineering (OGE) at the Ohio Department of Transportation : (ODOT). These voids have often resulted from past underground...

Lateral support systems and underpinning, volume II : design fundamentals.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

This report provides current information and design guidelines on cut-and-cover : tunneling for practicing engineers. The main emphasis is on the geotechnical : aspects of engineering. Included in this volume is a state-of-the-art summary of : displa...

Lateral Support Systems And Underpinning. Volume II. Design Fundamentals

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-04-01

This report provides current information and design guidelines on cut-and-cover tunneling for practicing engineers. The main emphasis is on the geotechnical aspects of engineering. Included in this volume is a state-of-the-art summary of displacement...

Impact of Offshore Wind Energy Plants on the Soil Mechanical Behaviour of Sandy Seafloors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stark, Nina; Lambers-Huesmann, Maria; Zeiler, Manfred; Zoellner, Christian; Kopf, Achim

2010-05-01

Over the last decade, wind energy has become an important renewable energy source. Especially, the installation of offshore windfarms offers additional space and higher average wind speeds than the well-established windfarms onshore. Certainly, the construction of offshore wind turbines has an impact on the environment. In the framework of the Research at Alpha VEntus (RAVE) project in the German offshore wind energy farm Alpha Ventus (north of the island Borkum in water depths of about 30 m) a research plan to investigate the environmental impact had been put into place. An ongoing study focuses on the changes in soil mechanics of the seafloor close to the foundations and the development of scour. Here, we present results of the first geotechnical investigations after construction of the plants (ca. 1 - 6 months) compared to geotechnical measurements prior to construction. To study the soil mechanical behaviour of the sand, sediment samples from about thirty different positions were measured in the laboratory to deliver, e.g., grain size (0.063 - 0.3 mm), friction angles (~ 32°), unit weight (~ 19.9 kN/m³) and void ratios (~ 0.81). For acoustic visualisation, side-scan-sonar (towed and stationary) and multibeam-echosounders (hull mounted) were used. Data show a flat, homogenous seafloor prior to windmill erection, and scouring effects at and in the vicinity of the foundations afterwards. Geotechnical in-situ measurements were carried out using a standard dynamic Cone Penetration Testing lance covering the whole windfarm area excluding areas in a radius < 50 m from the installed windmills (due the accessibility with the required research vessel). In addition, the small free-fall penetrometer Nimrod was deployed at the same spots, and furthermore, in the areas close to the tripod foundations (down to a distance of ~ 5 m from the central pile). Before construction, CPT as well as Nimrod deployments confirm a flat, homogenous sandy area with tip resistance values ranging from 1200 - 1600 kPa (CPT with a mass of ~ 100 kg and an impact velocity of ~ 1 m/s) and quasi-static bearing capacities (qsbc.) mainly ranging from 39 - 69 kPa (Nimrod: mass of ~ 13 kg, impact velocity of ~ 8 m/s). There was no evidence for layering in results of both in-situ instruments. After construction, most of the positions show changes in sediment strength ranging from 10 % up to 100 % compared to the results prior to windmill construction. Extreme changes (> 50 %) occur above all close to the foundations. Furthermore, patterns of relatively soft zones (qsbc.: 50 - 80 kPa) and hard zones (qsbc. > 100 kPa) were mapped during the high-resolution surveys close to the foundation. Beside that, a very soft sediment layer (0.03 - 0.05 m) drapes most of the soft zones. This may be recently eroded and re-deposited sediment, whereas the hard zones may indicate areas of sediment erosion where looser material has been carried away. Reasons for sediment remobilization and changes in geotechnical properties may be scouring as a consequence of the changed hydrodynamics in the vicinity of the windmills. Besides first developments of scour, the side scan sonar results show relicts of the wind turbine erection (e.g., footprints of jack-up-platforms). First multibeam-echosounder measurements confirm sediment re-deposition due to scour in the lee of the main current direction and show traces of wind turbine erection equipment in the same areas where also the penetrometer measurements took place. In summary, a local impact of the wind turbines on the soil mechanical properties of the seafloor is attested from this initial post-erection survey. Future cruises (every 6 months) will complement those data, which will eventually allow us a comparison to, or even refinement of long-term scouring models.

An Assessment of the Suitability of Cone Penetration Testing in Identifying the Late Quaternary Successions Formed in Tide-dominated Tnvironments: A Case Study from the Eastern China Coastal Plain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Lin, C. M., Sr.; Dalrymple, R. W.; Gao, S., Sr.

2017-12-01

Cone penetration testing (CPT) has proved to be as an effective method for sedimentological purposes in wave-dominated coastal environments. This study, based upon interpretation of 500 CPTs, carried out in the late Quaternary Qiantang River incised-valley fill over the eastern China coastal plain, shows how CPTs can also be used for detailed facies characterization and identification of the key surfaces for sequence-stratigraphic interpretation in tide-dominated systems based upon estimation of three major parameters: cone-tip resistance (qc), sleeve friction (fs), and the ratio of fs and qc (FR). Plotting of qc versus FR, in combination with the CPT curve shape and the relative depth in profile, is adopted as the major tool. The lithologic character which is controlled mainly by sediment supply and dynamics, and post-depositional diagenesis is respected as the main factor affecting how well the CPT technique works. Within this particular tide-dominated environment, dominated by non-cohesive sand and silt, the accumulation of the materials from fluid muds is rare. As a result, the tidal-channel deposits exhibit the nature of coarse-grained deposits, different from that of the other mud-dominated facies associations. On the other hand, a distinct layer of fine-grained deposit at the base of the Holocene sequences was subjected to early diagenesis during the last glacial maximum and early transgression, to become uniformly hard and over-consolidated, geotechnically distinct from the overlying softer sediments. Besides, due to the different sediment dynamics, the tidal-flat and salt-marsh deposits exhibit a distinct geotechnical behavior with the offshore shallow marine muddy deposits. All the above mentioned situations provide the basis for the recognition of facies association and the correlated key surfaces, even for the mapping of the incised-valley boundary. As a consequence, the CPT method has a potential to be a very attractive alternative to economically less convenient methods for the geological mapping in the tide-dominated coastal plain areas.

Uncertainty on shallow landslide hazard assessment: from field data to hazard mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trefolini, Emanuele; Tolo, Silvia; Patelli, Eduardo; Broggi, Matteo; Disperati, Leonardo; Le Tuan, Hai

2015-04-01

Shallow landsliding that involve Hillslope Deposits (HD), the surficial soil that cover the bedrock, is an important process of erosion, transport and deposition of sediment along hillslopes. Despite Shallow landslides generally mobilize relatively small volume of material, they represent the most hazardous factor in mountain regions due to their high velocity and the common absence of warning signs. Moreover, increasing urbanization and likely climate change make shallow landslides a source of widespread risk, therefore the interest of scientific community about this process grown in the last three decades. One of the main aims of research projects involved on this topic, is to perform robust shallow landslides hazard assessment for wide areas (regional assessment), in order to support sustainable spatial planning. Currently, three main methodologies may be implemented to assess regional shallow landslides hazard: expert evaluation, probabilistic (or data mining) methods and physical models based methods. The aim of this work is evaluate the uncertainty of shallow landslides hazard assessment based on physical models taking into account spatial variables such as: geotechnical and hydrogeologic parameters as well as hillslope morphometry. To achieve this goal a wide dataset of geotechnical properties (shear strength, permeability, depth and unit weight) of HD was gathered by integrating field survey, in situ and laboratory tests. This spatial database was collected from a study area of about 350 km2 including different bedrock lithotypes and geomorphological features. The uncertainty associated to each step of the hazard assessment process (e.g. field data collection, regionalization of site specific information and numerical modelling of hillslope stability) was carefully characterized. The most appropriate probability density function (PDF) was chosen for each numerical variable and we assessed the uncertainty propagation on HD strength parameters obtained by empirical relations with geotechnical index properties. Site specific information was regionalized at map scale by (hard and fuzzy) clustering analysis taking into account spatial variables such as: geology, geomorphology and hillslope morphometric variables (longitudinal and transverse curvature, flow accumulation and slope), the latter derived by a DEM with 10 m cell size. In order to map shallow landslide hazard, Monte Carlo simulation was performed for some common physically based models available in literature (eg. SINMAP, SHALSTAB, TRIGRS). Furthermore, a new approach based on the use of Bayesian Network was proposed and validated. Different models, such as Intervals, Convex Models and Fuzzy Sets, were adopted for the modelling of input parameters. Finally, an accuracy assessment was carried out on the resulting maps and the propagation of uncertainty of input parameters into the final shallow landslide hazard estimation was estimated. The outcomes of the analysis are compared and discussed in term of discrepancy among map pixel values and related estimated error. The novelty of the proposed method is on estimation of the confidence of the shallow landslides hazard mapping at regional level. This allows i) to discriminate regions where hazard assessment is robust from areas where more data are necessary to increase the confidence level and ii) to assess the reliability of the procedure used for hazard assessment.

Geomatic methods at the service of water resources modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molina, José-Luis; Rodríguez-Gonzálvez, Pablo; Molina, Mª Carmen; González-Aguilera, Diego; Espejo, Fernando

2014-02-01

Acquisition, management and/or use of spatial information are crucial for the quality of water resources studies. In this sense, several geomatic methods arise at the service of water modelling, aiming the generation of cartographic products, especially in terms of 3D models and orthophotos. They may also perform as tools for problem solving and decision making. However, choosing the right geomatic method is still a challenge in this field. That is mostly due to the complexity of the different applications and variables involved for water resources management. This study is aimed to provide a guide to best practices in this context by tackling a deep review of geomatic methods and their suitability assessment for the following study types: Surface Hydrology, Groundwater Hydrology, Hydraulics, Agronomy, Morphodynamics and Geotechnical Processes. This assessment is driven by several decision variables grouped in two categories, classified depending on their nature as geometric or radiometric. As a result, the reader comes with the best choice/choices for the method to use, depending on the type of water resources modelling study in hand.

Using an analytical geometry method to improve tiltmeter data presentation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Su, W.-J.

2000-01-01

The tiltmeter is a useful tool for geologic and geotechnical applications. To obtain full benefit from the tiltmeter, easy and accurate data presentations should be used. Unfortunately, the most commonly used method for tilt data reduction now may yield inaccurate and low-resolution results. This article describes a simple, accurate, and high-resolution approach developed at the Illinois State Geological Survey for data reduction and presentation. The orientation of tiltplates is determined first by using a trigonometric relationship, followed by a matrix transformation, to obtain the true amount of rotation change of the tiltplate at any given time. The mathematical derivations used for the determination and transformation are then coded into an integrated PC application by adapting the capabilities of commercial spreadsheet, database, and graphics software. Examples of data presentation from tiltmeter applications in studies of landfill covers, characterizations of mine subsidence, and investigations of slope stability are also discussed.

Construction and Resource Utilization Explorer (CRUX): Implementing Instrument Suite Data Fusion to Characterize Regolith Hydrogen Resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haldemann, Albert F. C.; Johnson, Jerome B.; Elphic, Richard C.; Boynton, William V.; Wetzel, John

2006-01-01

CRUX is a modular suite of geophysical and borehole instruments combined with display and decision support system (MapperDSS) tools to characterize regolith resources, surface conditions, and geotechnical properties. CRUX is a NASA-funded Technology Maturation Program effort to provide enabling technology for Lunar and Planetary Surface Operations (LPSO). The MapperDSS uses data fusion methods with CRUX instruments, and other available data and models, to provide regolith properties information needed for LPSO that cannot be determined otherwise. We demonstrate the data fusion method by showing how it might be applied to characterize the distribution and form of hydrogen using a selection of CRUX instruments: Borehole Neutron Probe and Thermal Evolved Gas Analyzer data as a function of depth help interpret Surface Neutron Probe data to generate 3D information. Secondary information from other instruments along with physical models improves the hydrogen distribution characterization, enabling information products for operational decision-making.

Machine learning in soil classification.

PubMed

Bhattacharya, B; Solomatine, D P

2006-03-01

In a number of engineering problems, e.g. in geotechnics, petroleum engineering, etc. intervals of measured series data (signals) are to be attributed a class maintaining the constraint of contiguity and standard classification methods could be inadequate. Classification in this case needs involvement of an expert who observes the magnitude and trends of the signals in addition to any a priori information that might be available. In this paper, an approach for automating this classification procedure is presented. Firstly, a segmentation algorithm is developed and applied to segment the measured signals. Secondly, the salient features of these segments are extracted using boundary energy method. Based on the measured data and extracted features to assign classes to the segments classifiers are built; they employ Decision Trees, ANN and Support Vector Machines. The methodology was tested in classifying sub-surface soil using measured data from Cone Penetration Testing and satisfactory results were obtained.

Using mid-range laser scanners to digitize cultural-heritage sites.

PubMed

Spring, Adam P; Peters, Caradoc; Minns, Tom

2010-01-01

Here, we explore new, more accessible ways of modeling 3D data sets that both professionals and amateurs can employ in areas such as architecture, forensics, geotechnics, cultural heritage, and even hobbyist modeling. To support our arguments, we present images from a recent case study in digital preservation of cultural heritage using a mid-range laser scanner. Our appreciation of the increasing variety of methods for capturing 3D spatial data inspired our research. Available methods include photogrammetry, airborne lidar, sonar, total stations (a combined electronic and optical survey instrument), and midand close-range scanning.1 They all can produce point clouds of varying density. In our case study, the point cloud produced by a mid-range scanner demonstrates how open source software can make modeling and disseminating data easier. Normally, researchers would model this data using expensive specialized software, and the data wouldn't extend beyond the laser-scanning community.

Handbook for Marine Geotechnical Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

height dictated by the chosen range. The returning acoustic signals are received by the same fish and transmitted by electrical or fiber optic cable......covered here, are required to predict penetrations in lithified sediments, coral, basalt , and other rock types. These special techniques are highly

Assessment of site variability from analysis of cone penetration test data.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-01-01

Soil property values for use in geotechnical design are often estimated from a limited number of in situ or laboratory tests. The : uncertainty involved in estimating soil properties from a limited number of tests can be addressed by quantifying the ...

Scenario Evaluator for Electrical Resistivity Survey Pre-modeling Tool

EPA Science Inventory

Geophysical tools have much to offer users in environmental, water resource, and geotechnical fields; however, techniques such as electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) are often oversold and/or overinterpreted due to a lack of understanding of the limitations of the techniques, su...

Implementation of LRFD geotechnical design for deep foundations using Texas Cone Penetrometer (TCP) test.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

This study provides resistance factors (I) for design of deep foundations to implement Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) for bridge foundations using Texas Cone Penetrometer (TCP) Test data. Initial efforts were made to determine resistance fa...

GUE-70-14.10 mine research project, Guernsey County, Ohio : research implementation plan.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-09-01

This project fulfilled a statewide need, as well as a local need. The statewide need was to generally : determine what geophysical, geotechnical and groundwater investigations could be used singlely, or in : conjunction with one another, to detect th...

GeoMO 2008--geotechnical earthquake engineering : site response.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-10-01

The theme of GeoMO2008 has recently become of more interest to the Midwest civil engineering community due to the perceived earthquake risks and new code requirements. The constant seismic reminder for the New Madrid Seismic Zone and new USGS hazard ...

Evaluation and implementation of an improved methodology for earthquake ground response analysis : uniform treatment source, path and site effects.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-12-01

Shortly after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, Caltrans geotechnical engineers charged with developing site-specific : response spectra for high priority California bridges initiated a research project aimed at broadening their perspective : from simp...

Consideration of reinforcement mechanism in the short fiber mixing granular materials by granular element simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mori, Kentaro; Kaneko, Kenji; Hashizume, Yutaka

2017-06-01

The short fiber mixing method is well known as one of the method to improve the strength of gran- ular soils in geotechnical engineering. Mechanical properties of the short fiber mixing granular materials are influenced by many factors, such as the mixture ratio of the short fiber, the material of short fiber, the length, and the orientation. In particular, the mixture ratio of the short fibers is very important in mixture design. In the past study, we understood that the strength is reduced by too much short fiber mixing by a series of tri-axial compression experiments. Namely, there is "optimum mixture ratio" in the short fiber mixing granular soils. In this study, to consider the mechanism of occurrence of the optimum mixture ratio, we carried out the numerical experiments by granular element method. As the results, we can understand that the strength decrease when too much grain-fiber contact points exist, because a friction coefficient is smaller than the grain-grain contact points.

Construction of high-rise building with underground parking in Moscow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilyichev, Vyacheslav; Nikiforova, Nadezhda; Konnov, Artem

2018-03-01

Paper presents results of scientific support to construction of unique residential building 108 m high with one storey underground part under high-rise section and 3-storey underground parking connected by underground passage. On-site soils included anthropogenic soil, clayey soils soft-stiff, saturated sands of varied grain coarseness. Design of retaining structure and support system for high-rise part excavation was developed. It suggested installation of steel pipes and struts. Construction of adjacent 3-storey underground parking by "Moscow method" is described in the paper. This method involves implementation of retaining wall consisted of prefabricated panels, truss structures (used as struts) and reinforced concrete slabs. Also design and construction technology is provided for foundations consisted of bored piles 800 MM in diameter joined by slab with base widening diameter of 1500 MM. Experiment results of static and dynamic load testing (ELDY method) are considered. Geotechnical monitoring data of adjacent building and utility systems settlement caused by construction of presented high-rise building were compared to numerical modelling results, predicted and permissible values.

Correlation of the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) System with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS): Introduction of the Weak Rock Mass Rating System (W-RMR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, Sean N.; Kallu, Raj R.; Barnard, Chase K.

2016-11-01

Underground gold mines in Nevada are exploiting increasingly deeper ore bodies comprised of weak to very weak rock masses. The Rock Mass Rating (RMR) classification system is widely used at underground gold mines in Nevada and is applicable in fair to good-quality rock masses, but is difficult to apply and loses reliability in very weak rock mass to soil-like material. Because very weak rock masses are transition materials that border engineering rock mass and soil classification systems, soil classification may sometimes be easier and more appropriate to provide insight into material behavior and properties. The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is the most likely choice for the classification of very weak rock mass to soil-like material because of its accepted use in tunnel engineering projects and its ability to predict soil-like material behavior underground. A correlation between the RMR and USCS systems was developed by comparing underground geotechnical RMR mapping to laboratory testing of bulk samples from the same locations, thereby assigning a numeric RMR value to the USCS classification that can be used in spreadsheet calculations and geostatistical analyses. The geotechnical classification system presented in this paper including a USCS-RMR correlation, RMR rating equations, and the Geo-Pick Strike Index is collectively introduced as the Weak Rock Mass Rating System (W-RMR). It is the authors' hope that this system will aid in the classification of weak rock masses and more usable design tools based on the RMR system. More broadly, the RMR-USCS correlation and the W-RMR system help define the transition between engineering soil and rock mass classification systems and may provide insight for geotechnical design in very weak rock masses.

On the importance of variable soil depth and process representation in the modeling of shallow landslide initiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatichi, S.; Burlando, P.; Anagnostopoulos, G.

2014-12-01

Sub-surface hydrology has a dominant role on the initiation of rainfall-induced landslides, since changes in the soil water potential affect soil shear strength and thus apparent cohesion. Especially on steep slopes and shallow soils, loss of shear strength can lead to failure even in unsaturated conditions. A process based model, HYDROlisthisis, characterized by high resolution in space and, time is developed to investigate the interactions between surface and subsurface hydrology and shallow landslide initiation. Specifically, 3D variably saturated flow conditions, including soil hydraulic hysteresis and preferential flow, are simulated for the subsurface flow, coupled with a surface runoff routine. Evapotranspiration and specific root water uptake are taken into account for continuous simulations of soil water content during storm and inter-storm periods. The geotechnical component of the model is based on a multidimensional limit equilibrium analysis, which takes into account the basic principles of unsaturated soil mechanics. The model is applied to a small catchment in Switzerland historically prone to rainfall-triggered landslides. A series of numerical simulations were carried out with various boundary conditions (soil depths) and using hydrological and geotechnical components of different complexity. Specifically, the sensitivity to the inclusion of preferential flow and soil hydraulic hysteresis was tested together with the replacement of the infinite slope assumption with a multi-dimensional limit equilibrium analysis. The effect of the different model components on model performance was assessed using accuracy statistics and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. The results show that boundary conditions play a crucial role in the model performance and that the introduced hydrological (preferential flow and soil hydraulic hysteresis) and geotechnical components (multidimensional limit equilibrium analysis) considerably improve predictive capabilities in the presented case study.

Understanding Mississippi Delta Subsidence through Stratigraphic and Geotechnical Analysis of a Continuous Holocene Core at a Subsidence Superstation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bridgeman, J.; Tornqvist, T. E.; Jafari, N.; Allison, M. A.

2017-12-01

Land-surface subsidence can be a major contributor to the relative sea-level rise that is threatening coastal communities. Loosely constrained subsidence rate estimates across the Mississippi Delta make it difficult to differentiate between subsidence mechanisms and complicate modeling efforts. New data from a nearly 40 m long, 12 cm diameter core taken during the installation of a subsidence monitoring superstation near the Mississippi River, SW of New Orleans, provides insight into the stratigraphic and geotechnical properties of the Holocene succession. Stratigraphically, the core can be grouped into three sections. The top 12 m is dominated by clastic overbank sediment with interspersed organic-rich layers. The middle section, 12-35 m consists predominately of mud, and the bottom section, 35-38.7 m, is marked by a transition into a Holocene-aged basal peat (11,350-11,190 cal BP) which overlies densely packed Pleistocene sediment. Radiocarbon and OSL ages show up to 6 m of vertical displacement since 3,000 cal BP. We infer that most of this was due to compaction of the thick underlying mud package. The top ­­­­­ 70 cm of the core is a peat that represents the modern marsh surface and is inducing minimal surface loading. This is consistent with the negligible shallow subsidence rate as seen at a nearby rod-surface elevation table - marker horizon station and the initial strainmeter data. Future compaction scenarios for the superstation can be modeled from the stratigraphic and geotechnical properties of the core, including the loading from the planned Mid-Barataria sediment diversion which is expected to dramatically change the coastal landscape in this region.

The Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory - a decade of geophysical characterization and monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uhlemann, S.; Wilkinson, P. B.; Meldrum, P.; Smith, A.; Dixon, N.; Merritt, A.; Swift, R. T.; Whiteley, J.; Gunn, D.; Chambers, J. E.

2017-12-01

Landslides are major and frequent natural hazards. They shape the Earth's surface, and endanger communities and infrastructure worldwide. Within the last decade, landslides caused more than 28,000 fatalities and direct damage exceeding $1.8 billion. Climate change, causing more frequent weather extremes, is likely to increase occurrences of shallow slope failures worldwide. Thus, there is a need to improve our understanding of these shallow, rainfall-induced landslides. In this context, integrated geophysical characterization and monitoring can play a crucial role by providing volumetric data that can be linked to the hydrological and geotechnical conditions of a slope. This enables understanding of the complex hydrological processes most-often being associated with landslides. Here we present a review of a decade of characterizing and monitoring a complex, inland, clayey landslide - forming the "Hollin Hill Landslide Observatory". Within the last decade, this landslide has experienced different activity characteristics, including creep, flow, and rotational failures - thereby providing an excellent testbed for the development of geophysical and geotechnical monitoring instrumentation and methodologies. These include developments of 4D geoelectrical monitoring techniques to estimate electrode positions from the resistivity data, incorporating these into a time-lapse inversion, and imaging moisture dynamics that control the landslide behaviour. Other developments include acoustic emission monitoring, and active and passive seismic monitoring. This work is underpinned by detailed characterization of the landslide, using geomorphological and geological mapping, geotechnical investigations, and a thorough geoelectrical and seismic characterization of the landslide mass. Hence, the data gained from the Hollin Hill landslide observatory has improved our understanding of the shallow landslide dynamics in response to climate change, their mechanics and evolution. The methodological and technical developments achieved at this site are suitable and applicable for implementation on other landslides worldwide.

A wireless high-speed data acquisition system for geotechnical centrifuge model testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaudin, C.; White, D. J.; Boylan, N.; Breen, J.; Brown, T.; DeCatania, S.; Hortin, P.

2009-09-01

This paper describes a novel high-speed wireless data acquisition system (WDAS) developed at the University of Western Australia for operation onboard a geotechnical centrifuge, in an enhanced gravitational field of up to 300 times Earth's gravity. The WDAS system consists of up to eight separate miniature units distributed around the circumference of a 0.8 m diameter drum centrifuge, communicating with the control room via wireless Ethernet. Each unit is capable of powering and monitoring eight instrument channels at a sampling rate of up to 1 MHz at 16-bit resolution. The data are stored within the logging unit in solid-state memory, but may also be streamed in real-time at low frequency (up to 10 Hz) to the centrifuge control room, via wireless transmission. The high-speed logging runs continuously within a circular memory (buffer), allowing for storage of a pre-trigger segment of data prior to an event. To suit typical geotechnical modelling applications, the system can record low-speed data continuously, until a burst of high-speed acquisition is triggered when an experimental event occurs, after which the system reverts back to low-speed acquisition to monitor the aftermath of the event. Unlike PC-based data acquisition solutions, this system performs the full sequence of amplification, conditioning, digitization and storage on a single circuit board via an independent micro-controller allocated to each pair of instrumented channels. This arrangement is efficient, compact and physically robust to suit the centrifuge environment. This paper details the design specification of the WDAS along with the software interface developed to control the units. Results from a centrifuge test of a submarine landslide are used to illustrate the performance of the new WDAS.

Reconsolidated Salt as a Geotechnical Barrier

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hansen, Francis D.; Gadbury, Casey

Salt as a geologic medium has several attributes favorable to long-term isolation of waste placed in mined openings. Salt formations are largely impermeable and induced fractures heal as stress returns to equilibrium. Permanent isolation also depends upon the ability to construct geotechnical barriers that achieve nearly the same high-performance characteristics attributed to the native salt formation. Salt repository seal concepts often include elements of reconstituted granular salt. As a specific case in point, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant recently received regulatory approval to change the disposal panel closure design from an engineered barrier constructed of a salt-based concrete to onemore » that employs simple run-of-mine salt and temporary bulkheads for isolation from ventilation. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is a radioactive waste disposal repository for defense-related transuranic elements mined from the Permian evaporite salt beds in southeast New Mexico. Its approved shaft seal design incorporates barrier components comprising salt-based concrete, bentonite, and substantial depths of crushed salt compacted to enhance reconsolidation. This paper will focus on crushed salt behavior when applied as drift closures to isolate disposal rooms during operations. Scientific aspects of salt reconsolidation have been studied extensively. The technical basis for geotechnical barrier performance has been strengthened by recent experimental findings and analogue comparisons. The panel closure change was accompanied by recognition that granular salt will return to a physical state similar to the halite surrounding it. Use of run-of-mine salt ensures physical and chemical compatibility with the repository environment and simplifies ongoing disposal operations. Our current knowledge and expected outcome of research can be assimilated with lessons learned to put forward designs and operational concepts for the next generation of salt repositories. Mined salt repositories have the potential to isolate permanently vast inventories of radioactive and hazardous wastes.« less

Investigation of the mechanical behaviour of gas-hydrate bearing clayey sediments from the Gulf of Guinea using in-situ geotechnical measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taleb, F.; Garziglia, S.; Sultan, N.

2017-12-01

Expanding needs for energy resources and concerns about climate change have moved industrial and academic interests towards regions where specific thermobaric conditions allow the formation of gas hydrates (GH). While significant advances have been made to characterize the fabric and structure of these metastable geo-compounds, considerable uncertainty remains regarding the impact of their mechanical properties on the seafloor morphology and stability. This is particularly true for gas hydrates-bearing fine-grained sediments, which remain challenging to preserve or synthesise prior to laboratory testing. As a step towards understanding the mechanical consequences of the concentration and distribution of GH in this type of sediments, this work uses acoustic and geotechnical in situ measurements collected in a high gas flux system offshore Nigeria. Acoustic measurements of compressional wave velocity were shown to be convenient means of both detecting and quantifying gas hydrates in marine sediments. Geotechnical data derived from piezocone readings and their distribution in normalised soil classification charts allowed identifying distinct features of gas hydrates-bearing clayey sediments; such as a mechanical behaviour sharing similarities with that of cemented clays. Correlations between acoustic and piezocone data showed that the stiffness and strength tend to generally increase with increasing GH concentrations. However, several sediment intervals sharing the same hydrates concentration have revealed different features of mechanical behaviour. This was linked to the presence of various GH morphologies within the marine sediments such as groups of hydrate veins or massive hydrate nodules. This in-situ approach allowing both understanding the heterogeneous distribution of GH and characterising their host sediment seems key to assess the potential link between seafloor stability and GH dissociation/dissolution caused by human activities or by natural environmental changes.

Assessing dry density and gravimetric water content of soils in geotechnics with complex conductivity measurements : preliminary investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaouane, C.; Beck, Y.; Fauchard, C.; Chouteau, M.

2012-12-01

Quality controls of geotechnical works need gravimetric water content (w) and dry density (γd) measurements. Afterwards, results are compared to Proctor tests and referred to soil classification. Depending on the class of soils, different objectives must be achieved. Those measurements are usually carried out with neutron and gamma probes. Combined use of theses probes directly access (w, γd). Theses probes show great disadvantages as: nuclear hazard, heavy on-site, transporation and storage restrictions and low sampling volumes. Last decades showed a strong development of electrical and electromagnetic methods for mapping water content in soils. Still, their use in Geotechnics is limited due to interfacial effects neglected in common models but strong in compacted soils. We first showed that (w, γd) is equivalent to (φ, Sr) assuming density of particles γs=2.7 (g.cm-3). This assumption is true for common soils used in civil engineering. That first relationship allows us to work with meaningful parameters for geophysicists. Revil&Florsh recently adapted Vinegar&Waxman model for Spectal Induced Polarization (SIP) measurements at low frequencies (<50 kHz). This model relates quantitatively the electrical double layer polarization at the surface of grains. It takes into account saturation, porosity and granulometry. Standard granulometry and mineralogy are generally available in geotechnical campaigns. In-phase conductivity would be mostly related to saturation as quadrature conductivity would be related to porosity and surface conductivity. Although this model was developed for oil-bearing sands, we investigated its potential for compacted soils. Former DC-resistivity (ρ) measurements were carried out on a silty fined-grained soil (A1 in GTR classification or ML-CL in USCS) in a cylindrical cell (radius ~4 cm, heigth 7 cm). Median diameter of grain was 50 μm. For each measurement, samples were compacted at Proctor energy. We assessed (w, γd) by weighting and drying samples. We obtained γd = 1.6-1.9 (g.cm-3) and w=7-14% which lead to φ=0.3-0.4 and Sr=0.3-0.8. Tap water (ρw= 30 Ω.m) was used for the experiment. We first evaluated the saturation factor n=1.35 by fitting a power law ρ/ρw =a*Sr^n+b. a=0.223 agreed with φ^(-n)=F, F being the formation factor. This leads to a mean tortuosity α=1.47. b=0.5 might be related to surface conductivity. An empirical Rhoades-Corwin model also fit great to data. Revil&Florsh model allows us to predict a phase peak in case of complex conductivity measurements. We predicted a frequency peak at 2.4 Hz. This peak is well located in the frequency range of SIP (from 1 mHz to ~10 Hz). At the frequency peak, this model allows the direct evaluation of saturation and porosity. Hence, complex conductivity measurements might be a fine alternative to nuclear probes. Still, driving in electrodes in compacted soils remains difficult. Ongoing studies are looking further to extend this model to higher frequency range (5-200 kHz) where capacitively coupled resistivity arrays might be used allowing continuous measurements.

The influence of different geotechnically relevant amendments on the reductive degradation of TCE by nZVI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitag, Peter; Schöftner, Philipp; Waldner, Georg; Reichenauer, Thomas G.; Nickel, Claudia; Spitz, Marcus; Dietzel, Martin

2014-05-01

Trichloroethylene (TCE) was widely used as a cleaning and degreasing agent. Companies needing these agents were often situated in or close to built up areas, so spillage led to contaminated sites which now can only be remediated using in situ techniques. The situation is compounded by the fact that TCE tends to seep through ground water bodies forming pools at the bottom of the aquifer. When reacting with TCE, nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) is known to reduce it into non-toxic substances. The difficulty is to bring it in contact with the pollutant. Attempts using passive insertion into the groundwater via wells yielded mixed results. Reasons for this are that ZVI tends to coagulate, to sediment and to adsorb on the matrix of the aquifer. Also, in inhomogeneous aquifers a passive application of nZVI can be difficult and might not bring the desired results, due to existence of preferential flow paths. A possible solution to this problem is the physical in situ mixing of ZVI into the contaminant source. This can, in principle, be done by adapting jet grouting - a method that uses a high pressure slurry jet, consisting of water and geotechnical additives ("binders"), to mix and compact zones ("columns") in soil. These columns are commonly used to solve foundation problems but can also be used to solve the problem of delivering nZVI to TCE source zones. This paper examines the influence binders have on the degradation reaction between TCE and nZVI. The necessity of these binders is explained by the fact that the subsoil structure is rearranged during the jetting process leading to subsidence on the surface. These subsidences could result in damage to neighbouring structures. A series of batch experiments was conducted in this study. Contaminated groundwater was brought into contact with samples of slurries commonly used in geotechnical applications. We tested the effects of concresole, bentonite, zeolithe, fly ash, slag sand and cement on the kinetics of TCE degradation by nZVI. The degradation of TCE was measured using GC Headspace samples. Furthermore, additional experiments were conducted to investigate the interaction between binders and TCE as well as binders and nZVI. The results of these experiments led to the conclusion that jet grouting could be well suited for the delivery of nZVI to TCE contaminated source zones. Currently, soil column experiments and large-scale experiments in test facilities are performed to confirm the batch testing results.

Geotechnical engineering practices in Canada and Europe

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

This report describes Machine-to-Machine service architecture and how it is evolving over the next several years. Nearly 50 billion Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices are predicted to be deployed by all sectors by 2025. The largest impediment to M2M de...

Micromechanical Behavior and Modelling of Granular Soil

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

DiMaggio and Sandier 1971, Baladi and Rohani 1979). The problem of inherent (structural) anisotropy - especially important for 3 anisotropically...Republic of Germany. Baladi ,G.Y. and Rohani, B. (1979), "Elastic-Plastic Model for Saturated Sand," Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division, ASCE

Analysis of change orders in geotechnical engineering work at INDOT.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

Change orders represent a cost to the State and to tax payers that is real and often extremely large because contractors tend to charge very large : amounts to any additional work that deviates from the work that was originally planned. Therefore, ef...

Mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis of chemically bound metalcasting sands

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Foundries around the world discard millions of tonnes of molding and core sand each year even though they can be beneficially used in manufactured soils and geotechnical applications. Despite their usefulness as an aggregate replacement, some environmental authorities are concerned over potential ne...

Design of a piezoelectric shaker for centrifuge testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Canclini, J. G.; Henderson, J. M.

1979-01-01

The design of a prototype piezoelectric shaker and its development to date is described. Although certain design problems remain to be solved, the piezoelectric system shows promise for adaptation to a larger payload system, such as the proposed geotechnical centrifuge at the Ames Research Center.

Geotechnical LFRD calculations of settlement and bearing capacity of GDOT shallow bridge foundations and retaining walls.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-09

The AASHTO codes for Load Resistance Factored Design (LRFD) regarding shallow bridge foundations : and walls have been implemented into a set of spreadsheet algorithms to facilitate the calculations of bearing : capacity and footing settlements on na...

Acoustic Retrieval of Seafloor Geotechnics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-12-01

from the seafloor and subbottom layer interfaces (e.g., Hastrup , 1969; Mackenzie , 1960; Bell and Porter , 1974). It is known that the physical...L. Inderbitzen , New York , Plenum Press, 1974 , pp 1-44. Hastrup , Ole (1969) “Digital analysis of acoustic reflectivity in the Tyrrhenia n A byssal

10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...

10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...

10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...

10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...

10 CFR 63.132 - Confirmation of geotechnical and design parameters.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Commission. (e) In situ monitoring of the thermomechanical response of the underground facility must be... IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA Performance Confirmation Program § 63.132... engineered systems and components, must be identified in the performance confirmation plan. (d) These...

Slope Reinforcement with the Utilization of the Coal Waste Anthropogenic Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gwóźdź-Lasoń, Monika

2017-10-01

The protection of the environment, including waste management, is one of the pillars of the policy of the Europe. The application which is presented in that paper tries to show a trans-disciplinary way to design geotechnical constructions - slope stability analysis. The generally accepted principles that the author presents are numerous modelling patterns of earth retaining walls as slope stabilization system. The paper constitutes an attempt to summarise and generalise earlier researches which involved FEM numeric procedures and the Z_Soil package. The design of anthropogenic soil used as a material for reinforced earth retaining walls, are not only of commercial but of environmental importance as well and consistent with the concept of sustainable development and the need to redevelop brownfield. This paper tries to show conceptual and empirical modelling approaches to slope stability system used in anthropogenic soil formation such as heaps, resulting from mining, with a special focus on urban areas of South of Poland and perspectives of anthropogenic materials application in geotechnical engineering are discussed.

Geotechnical characterization of the North Ramp of the Exploratory Studies Facility: Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project. Volume 2, NRG corehole data appendices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brechtel, C.E.; Lin, Ming; Martin, E.

1995-05-01

This report presents the results of the geological and geotechnical characterization of the Miocene volcanic tuff rocks of the Timber Mountain and Paintbrush groups that the tunnel boring machine will encounter during excavations of the Exploratory Studies Facility (ESF) North Ramp. The information in this report was developed to support the design of the ESF North Ramp. The ESF is being constructed by the DOE as part of the Yucca Mountain Project site characterization activities. The purpose of these activities is to evaluate the potential to locate the national high-level nuclear waste repository on land within and adjacent to themore » Nevada Test Site (NTS), Nye County, Nevada. This report was prepared as part of the Soil and Rock Properties Studies in accordance with the 8.3.1.14.2 Study Plan to Provide Soil and Rock Properties. This is volume 2 which contains NRG Corehole Data for each of the NRG Holes.« less

Prediction of hydrocarbon surface seepage potential using infiltrometer data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connors, J. J.; Jackson, J. L.; Engle, R. A.; Connors, J. L.

2017-12-01

Environmental regulations addressing above-ground storage tank (AST) spill control activities typically require owners/operators to demonstrate that local soil permeability values are low enough to adequately contain released liquids while emergency-response procedures are conducted. Frequently, geotechnical borings and soil samples/analyses, and/or monitoring well slug-test analyses, are used to provide hydraulic conductivity data for the required calculations. While these techniques are useful in assessing hydrological characteristics of the subsurface, they do not always assess the uppermost surface soil layer, where the bulk of the containment can occur. This layer may have been subject to long-term permeability-reduction by activities such as compaction by vehicular and foot traffic, micro-coatings by hydrophobic pollutants, etc. This presentation explores the usefulness of dual-ring infiltrometers, both in field and bench-scale tests, to rapidly acquire actual hydraulic conductivity values of surficial soil layers, which can be much lower than subsurface values determined using more traditional downhole geotechnical and hydrogeological approaches.

Geotechnical reconnaissance of the 2002 Denali fault, Alaska, earthquake

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, R.; Thompson, E.; Minasian, D.; Moss, R.E.S.; Collins, B.D.; Sitar, N.; Dreger, D.; Carver, G.

2004-01-01

The 2002 M7.9 Denali fault earthquake resulted in 340 km of ruptures along three separate faults, causing widespread liquefaction in the fluvial deposits of the alpine valleys of the Alaska Range and eastern lowlands of the Tanana River. Areas affected by liquefaction are largely confined to Holocene alluvial deposits, man-made embankments, and backfills. Liquefaction damage, sparse surrounding the fault rupture in the western region, was abundant and severe on the eastern rivers: the Robertson, Slana, Tok, Chisana, Nabesna and Tanana Rivers. Synthetic seismograms from a kinematic source model suggest that the eastern region of the rupture zone had elevated strong-motion levels due to rupture directivity, supporting observations of elevated geotechnical damage. We use augered soil samples and shear-wave velocity profiles made with a portable apparatus for the spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) to characterize soil properties and stiffness at liquefaction sites and three trans-Alaska pipeline pump station accelerometer locations. ?? 2004, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.

Use of high-resolution geophysical and geotechnical techniques for artificial reef site selection, west Cameron planning area, offshore Louisiana

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pope, D.L.; Wagner, J.B.

1988-09-01

Before siting oil and gas platforms on the sea floor as artificial reefs offshore Louisiana, potentially hazardous and unstable geologic conditions must be identified and evaluated to assess their possible impacts on platform stability. Geologic and man-made features can be identified and assessed from high-resolution geophysical techniques (3.5-7.0 kHz echograms, single-channel seismic, and side-scan sonar). Such features include faults, diapirs, scarps, channels, gas seeps, irregular sea floor topography, mass wasting deposits (slumps, slides, and debris flows), pipelines, and other subsea marine equipment. Geotechnical techniques are utilized to determine lithologic and physical properties of the sediments for correlation with the geophysicalmore » data. These techniques are used to develop a series of geologic maps, cross sections, and pipeline and platform-location maps. Construction of echo-character maps from 3.5-kHz data provides an analysis of near-bottom sedimentation processes (turbidity currents and debris flows).« less

Mechanism of concave ``tafoni'' and convex ``domal shape'' formation on TRIASSIC red sandstone of some old buildings, Chester City, UK, Case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamh, G. M. E.

2005-08-01

The weathering factors act on the recent and archaeological sites through different processes based on the dominant environmental conditions. The net result of weathering is deformation of the original form of construction rock. In the current case study, the main aim is to find out the mechanism of formation of two different weathering forms recorded on many old buildings taking Chester City as a case study. The construction rock in the case study is arenitic sandstone with carbonate content ranging from 0.0 to 15.6%. The sandstone blocks are cemented together by hydraulic lime mortar that can easily be altered chemically to salts by acid rain that dominates at the study area. In case of mortar with worse geotechnical limits than the sandstone blocks, the net result is convex “domal” shape blocks, but in case of mortar with better geotechnical limits than the construction sandstone, the net result of weathering is tafoni “concave” weathering form.

Evaluation of Strip Footing Bearing Capacity Built on the Anthropogenic Embankment by Random Finite Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pieczynska-Kozlowska, Joanna

2014-05-01

One of a geotechnical problem in the area of Wroclaw is an anthropogenic embankment layer delaying to the depth of 4-5m, arising as a result of historical incidents. In such a case an assumption of bearing capacity of strip footing might be difficult. The standard solution is to use a deep foundation or foundation soil replacement. However both methods generate significant costs. In the present paper the authors focused their attention on the influence of anthropogenic embankment variability on bearing capacity. Soil parameters were defined on the basis of CPT test and modeled as 2D anisotropic random fields and the assumption of bearing capacity were made according deterministic finite element methods. Many repeated of the different realizations of random fields lead to stable expected value of bearing capacity. The algorithm used to estimate the bearing capacity of strip footing was the random finite element method (e.g. [1]). In traditional approach of bearing capacity the formula proposed by [2] is taken into account. qf = c'Nc + qNq + 0.5γBN- γ (1) where: qf is the ultimate bearing stress, cis the cohesion, qis the overburden load due to foundation embedment, γ is the soil unit weight, Bis the footing width, and Nc, Nq and Nγ are the bearing capacity factors. The method of evaluation the bearing capacity of strip footing based on finite element method incorporate five parameters: Young's modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (ν), dilation angle (ψ), cohesion (c), and friction angle (φ). In the present study E, ν and ψ are held constant while c and φ are randomized. Although the Young's modulus does not affect the bearing capacity it governs the initial elastic response of the soil. Plastic stress redistribution is accomplished using a viscoplastic algorithm merge with an elastic perfectly plastic (Mohr - Coulomb) failure criterion. In this paper a typical finite element mesh was assumed with 8-node elements consist in 50 columns and 20 rows. Footings width B occupies 10 elements, 0.1 x 0.1 meter size. The footings are placed at the center of the mesh. Figure 1 shows the mesh used in probabilistic bearing capacity analysis. PIC Figure 1- Mesh used in analyses REFERENCES Fenton, G.A., Griffiths, D.V., (2008) Risk Assessment in Geotechnical Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, New York, Terzaghi, K. (1943). Theoretical Soil Mechanics, New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Site-specific Seismic Hazard Assessment to Establish Elastic Design Properties for Oman Museum-Across Ages, Manah, Sultante of Oman

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hussain, I. W.

2017-12-01

The current study provides a site specific deterministic seismic hazard assessment (DSHA) at the selected site for establishing the Oman Museum-Across Ages at Manah area, as a part of a comprehensive geotechnical and seismological plan to design the facilities accordingly. The DSHA first defines the seismic sources that might influence the site and assesses the maximum possible earthquake magnitude for each of them. By assuming each of these maximum earthquakes to occur at a location placing them at the closest distances to the site, the ground motion is predicted utilizing empirical ground motion prediction equations. The local site effects are performed by determining the fundamental frequency of the soft soil using HVSR technique and by estimating amplification spectra using the soil characteristics (mainly shear-wave velocity). Shear-wave velocity has been evaluated using the MASW technique. The maximum amplification value of 2.1 at spectral period 0.06 sec is observed at the ground surface, while the largest amplification value at the top of the conglomerate layer (at 5m depth) is 1.6 for a spectral period of 0.04 Sec. The maximum median 5% damped peak ground acceleration is found to be 0.263g at a spectral period of 0.1 sec. Keywords: DSHA; Site Effects; HVSR; MASW; PGA; Spectral Period

Model uncertainty of various settlement estimation methods in shallow tunnels excavation; case study: Qom subway tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khademian, Amir; Abdollahipour, Hamed; Bagherpour, Raheb; Faramarzi, Lohrasb

2017-10-01

In addition to the numerous planning and executive challenges, underground excavation in urban areas is always followed by certain destructive effects especially on the ground surface; ground settlement is the most important of these effects for which estimation there exist different empirical, analytical and numerical methods. Since geotechnical models are associated with considerable model uncertainty, this study characterized the model uncertainty of settlement estimation models through a systematic comparison between model predictions and past performance data derived from instrumentation. To do so, the amount of surface settlement induced by excavation of the Qom subway tunnel was estimated via empirical (Peck), analytical (Loganathan and Poulos) and numerical (FDM) methods; the resulting maximum settlement value of each model were 1.86, 2.02 and 1.52 cm, respectively. The comparison of these predicted amounts with the actual data from instrumentation was employed to specify the uncertainty of each model. The numerical model outcomes, with a relative error of 3.8%, best matched the reality and the analytical method, with a relative error of 27.8%, yielded the highest level of model uncertainty.

Creep behavior of soil nail walls in high plasticity index (PI) soils : technical report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-04-01

An aspect of particular concern in the Geotechnical Engineering Circular No. 7: Soil Nail Walls (i.e., the soil : nail wall manual and construction guidelines) is the creep behavior of soil nail systems in high-plasticity : clays. This research proje...

30 CFR 585.645 - What must I include in my GAP?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

...) You must provide the following results of geophysical and geological surveys, hazards surveys, archaeological surveys (if required), and baseline collection studies (e.g., biological) with the supporting data... geotechnical survey with supporting data A description of all relevant seabed and engineering data and...

42 CFR 137.335 - What costs may be included in the budget for a construction agreement?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... oversight of the design during construction; (4) Real property lease or acquisition; (5) Development of project surveys including topographical surveys, site boundary descriptions, geotechnical surveys, archeological surveys, and NEPA compliance; (6) Project management, superintendence, safety and inspection; (7...

30 CFR 585.645 - What must I include in my GAP?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

...) You must provide the following results of geophysical and geological surveys, hazards surveys, archaeological surveys (if required), and baseline collection studies (e.g., biological) with the supporting data... geotechnical survey with supporting data A description of all relevant seabed and engineering data and...

42 CFR 137.335 - What costs may be included in the budget for a construction agreement?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... oversight of the design during construction; (4) Real property lease or acquisition; (5) Development of project surveys including topographical surveys, site boundary descriptions, geotechnical surveys, archeological surveys, and NEPA compliance; (6) Project management, superintendence, safety and inspection; (7...

42 CFR 137.335 - What costs may be included in the budget for a construction agreement?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... oversight of the design during construction; (4) Real property lease or acquisition; (5) Development of project surveys including topographical surveys, site boundary descriptions, geotechnical surveys, archeological surveys, and NEPA compliance; (6) Project management, superintendence, safety and inspection; (7...

42 CFR 137.335 - What costs may be included in the budget for a construction agreement?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... oversight of the design during construction; (4) Real property lease or acquisition; (5) Development of project surveys including topographical surveys, site boundary descriptions, geotechnical surveys, archeological surveys, and NEPA compliance; (6) Project management, superintendence, safety and inspection; (7...

42 CFR 137.335 - What costs may be included in the budget for a construction agreement?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... oversight of the design during construction; (4) Real property lease or acquisition; (5) Development of project surveys including topographical surveys, site boundary descriptions, geotechnical surveys, archeological surveys, and NEPA compliance; (6) Project management, superintendence, safety and inspection; (7...

30 CFR 585.645 - What must I include in my GAP?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) You must provide the following results of geophysical and geological surveys, hazards surveys, archaeological surveys (if required), and baseline collection studies (e.g., biological) with the supporting data... geotechnical survey with supporting data A description of all relevant seabed and engineering data and...

Estimating setup of driven piles into Louisiana clayey soils : tech summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

Geotechnical engineers and researchers (Seed and Reese 1955, Long et al. 1999, and Bullock et al. 2005) have reported for many years : that the axial capacity of a driven pile may increase over time, which is usually referred to as pile setup or free...

Estimating Setup of Piles Driven into Louisiana Clayey Soils : Tech Summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

Geotechnical engineers and researchers (Seed and Reese 1955, Long et al. 1999, and Bullock et al. 2005) have reported for many years that the axial capacity of a driven pile may increase over time, which is usually referred to as pile setup or freeze...

Executive Summary Report - FY80 Geotechnical Siting Investigations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-11-30

MX siting investigation, geotech- nical summary, prime characterization sites, Rio Grande /Highlands Candidate Siting Province report. TR-26d , 19781...s * Subsurface projectlro of to sul rock limits ab ser i Oelneation of ro-k f o- Geologic high (-7000 !ps -) w- we velocities -Obta r Borings

78 FR 57587 - Environmental Impact and Related Procedures-Programmatic Agreements and Additional Categorical...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-19

... administrative and NEPA processing by encouraging grant applicants to design proposed projects so that... geotechnical and other investigations to provide information for preliminary design and for environmental... information for preliminary design and for environmental analyses and permitting purposes and is found...

Beneficial Use of Scrap Tire Rubber in Low-volume Road and Bridge Construction with Expansive Soils

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-07-14

Billions of dollars in damages are attributed to expansive soils in the United States (Jones and Jones 1987) and in many other countries each year. Geotechnical design and analyses in/on/with expansive soils may involve additional complications that ...

Calibration and implementation of miniature electronic cone penetrometers for road and highway design and construction control : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-12-01

A prototype miniature electronic cone penetrometer system is developed for road and highway design and construction control. The equipment is implemented in front of the Research Vehicle for Geotechnical In Situ testing and Support (REVEGITS). A cali...

78 FR 35363 - Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-12

... design criteria for any planned structure. Methodology for geotechnical surveys may vary between those..., depending on the type of activity. Offshore activities, such as exploration drilling, seismic surveys, and shallow hazards surveys, are expected to occur only during the open- water season (July-November). Onshore...

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Siting Status Report. Volume 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-06-21

greater tnan a nominal 50 feet deep. Rock is considered any earth material which is not readily rippable by conventional excavation techniques. b. Surface...material which is not readily rippable by conventional excavation techniques. _ b. Surface water absent and occurrences of ground water greater than a

Inside the polygonal walls of Amelia (Central Italy): A multidisciplinary data integration, encompassing geodetic monitoring and geophysical prospections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ercoli, M.; Brigante, R.; Radicioni, F.; Pauselli, C.; Mazzocca, M.; Centi, G.; Stoppini, A.

2016-04-01

We investigate a portion of the ancient (VI and IV centuries BC) polygonal walls of Amelia, in Central Italy. After the collapse of a portion of the walls which occurred in January 2006, a wide project started in order to monitor their external facade and inspect the characteristics of the internal structure, currently not clearly known. In this specific case, the preservation of such an important cultural heritage was mandatory, therefore invasive methods like drilling or archaeological essays cannot be used. For this purpose, a multidisciplinary approach represents an innovative way to shed light on their inner structure. We combine several non-invasive techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), specifically adapted for this study, Laser Scanning and Digital Terrestrial Photogrammetry, integrated with other geomatic measures provided by a Total Station and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). After collecting some historical information, we gather the whole datasets exploring for their integration an interpretation approach borrowed from the reflection seismic (attribute analysis and three dimensional visualization). The results give rise for the first time to the internal imaging of this ancient walls, highlighting features associable to different building styles related to different historical periods. Among the result, we define a max wall thickness of about 3.5 m for the cyclopic sector, we show details of the internal block organization and we detect low resistivity values interpretable with high water content behind the basal part of the walls. Then, quantitative analyses to assess their reliable geotechnical stability are done, integrating new geometrical constrains provided by the geophysics and geo-technical ground parameters available in literature. From this analysis, we highlight how the Amelia walls are interested, in the investigated sector, by a critical pseudo-static equilibrium.

Evaluation of subsoil competence for foundation studies at site III of the Delta State University, Nigeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ofomola, M. O.; Iserhien-Emekeme, R. E.; Okocha, F. O.; Adeoye, T. O.

2018-06-01

An integrated geophysical and geotechnical investigation has been carried out at site III of the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. This took place in a bid to generate information on the competence of the soil in withstanding stress and strain emanating from overburden or pore pressure, swelling, cracking and other anthropogenic activity in relation to civil engineering and building structures. An electromagnetic method employing the very low frequency (VLF) technique, and electrical resistivity employing the Wenner and the vertical electrical sounding techniques were used for this study. Soil samples were also collected at depth for geotechnical analysis. Isoresistivity slices generated from the data of 33 VES stations at 1 m showed generally low resistivity values of subsurface earth materials, classified as clayey sand, sandy clay or clay, and ranging from 60-300 Ωm. However, at depths of 3 and 5 m, the result showed a generally high resistivity distribution with values ranging from 500-6000 Ωm, which is an indication of competent Earth materials of fine to coarse grain sand. The results of the liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, cohesion, angle of internal friction and clay content of the soil samples vary from 10%-17%, 18%-29%, 3%-15%, 45-95 KN m-2, 31°-35° and 14%-22% respectively. The low cohesion, low clay content and high angle of internal friction of the soil at the encountered depth makes it competent for engineering foundation. It is concluded that the subsoil in the area, starting at a depth of 3 m, is a competent material for hosting engineering structures.

A Review of Application Building Information Modeling (BIM) During Pre-Construction Stage: Retrospective and Future Directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edra Nisa Lau, Santi; Zakaria, Rozana; Aminudin, Eeydzah; Saar, Chai Chang; Yusof, Aswadi; Fatihi Hafifi Che Wahid, Che Muhammad

2018-04-01

Pre-construction is one of the biggest areas of risk and uncertainty in construction project as it deals with subsurface ground conditions information. The amount of detail data needed in pre-construction especially for existing data modelling and site analysis should be sufficient enough to ensure that significant risks could not reasonably be anticipated. Current practicing method in interpreting data during this stage tasks reveal limitation. Construction industry faced many obstacles due to the depends on the traditional practice; paper-based document which missing and redundant data always happened. In recent years, there has been a shift in construction where people move to BIM application because of its potential to reduce the problem faced by infrastructure world. BIM has become a successful technology and widely popular in the construction world especially in developed countries because of its potential. Nowadays, people are moving one step ahead in BIM which is adoption of BIM during pre-construction stage. Thus, this paper review studies centered on BIM-integrated modelling during preconstruction stage. But there is lack of practical researches have been made during this stage. Although a large number of studies on BIM have been conducted in the past decade, a lack of consensus remains among researchers and practitioners regarding the applications of BIM during pre-construction stage, the availability of subsequent data integration tool for geotechnical activity. A comprehensive literature review was conducted for data collection and analysis. After in-depth review of journal articles widely cover the application of BIM, this study summarizes an overview and critical reflection of geotechnical data integration using BIM during pre-construction stage. The results are useful for the identification of research clusters and topics in the BIM community.

Site Selection for Hvdc Ground Electrodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freire, P. F.; Pereira, S. Y.

2014-12-01

High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems are composed of a bipole transmission line with a converter substation at each end. Each substation may be equipped with a HVDC ground electrode, which is a wide area (up to 1 km Ø) and deep (from 3 to 100m) electrical grounding. When in normal operation, the ground electrode will dissipate in the soil the unbalance of the bipole (~1.5% of the rated current). When in monopolar operation with ground return, the HVDC electrode will inject in the soil the nominal pole continuous current, of about 2000 to 3000 Amperes, continuously for a period up to a few hours. HVDC ground electrodes site selection is a work based on extensive geophysical and geological surveys, in order to attend the desired design requirements established for the electrodes, considering both its operational conditions (maximum soil temperature, working life, local soil voltage gradients etc.) and the interference effects on the installations located up to 50 km away. This poster presents the geophysical investigations conducted primarily for the electrodes site selection, and subsequently for the development of the crust resistivity model, which will be used for the interference studies. A preliminary site selection is conducted, based on general geographical and geological criteria. Subsequently, the geology of each chosen area is surveyed in detail, by means of electromagnetic/electrical geophysical techniques, such as magnetotelluric (deep), TDEM (near-surface) and electroresistivity (shallow). Other complementary geologic and geotechnical surveys are conducted, such as wells drilling (for geotechnical characterization, measurement of the water table depth and water flow, and electromagnetic profiling), and soil and water sampling (for measurement of thermal parameters and evaluation of electrosmosis risk). The site evaluation is a dynamic process along the surveys, and some sites will be discarded. For the two or three final sites, the inversion of the combined deep, near-surface and shallow apparent resistivity curves, results in the layered crust resistivity models. These models will allow for the preliminary interference studies, that will result on the selection of the final electrode site (one for each converter substation).

Assessing Seismic Hazards - Algorithms, Maps, and Emergency Scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferriz, H.

2007-05-01

Public officials in charge of building codes, land use planning, and emergency response need sound estimates of seismic hazards. Sources may be well defined (e.g., active faults that have a surface trace) or diffuse (e.g., a subduction zone or a blind-thrust belt), but in both cases one can use a deterministic or worst-case scenario approach. For each scenario, a design earthquake is selected based on historic data or the known length of Holocene ruptures (as determined by geologic mapping). Horizontal ground accelerations (HGAs) can then be estimated at different distances from the earthquake epicenter using published attenuation relations (e.g., Seismological Res. Letters, v. 68, 1997) and estimates of the elastic properties of the substrate materials. No good algorithms are available to take into account reflection of elastic waves across other fault planes (e.g., a common effect in California, where there are many strands of the San Andreas fault), or amplification of waves in water-saturated alluvial and lacustrine basins (e.g., the Mexico City basin), but empirical relations can be developed by correlating historic damage patterns with predicted HGAs. The ultimate result is a map of HGAs. With this map, and with additional data on depth to groundwater and geotechnical properties of local soils, a liquefaction susceptibility map can be prepared, using published algorithms (e.g., J. of Geotech. Geoenv. Eng., v. 127, p. 817-833, 2001; Eng. Geology Practice in N. California, p. 579-594, 2001). Finally, the HGA estimates, digital elevation models, geologic structural data, and geotechnical properties of local geologic units can be used to prepare a slope failure susceptibility map (e.g., Eng. Geology Practice in N. California, p. 77-94, 2001). Seismic hazard maps are used by: (1) Building officials to determine areas of the city where special construction codes have to be implemented, and where existing buildings may need to be retrofitted. (2) Planning officials to evaluate plans for new growth (though in most cities land use patterns are historically established). (3) Emergency response officials to plan emergency operations. (4) Insurance commissioners to estimate losses and insurance claims (e.g., with FEMA's software HAZUS).

Sinkhole susceptibility in carbonate rocks of the Apulian karst (southern Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Santo, Antonio; Fazio, Nunzio L.; Fiore, Antonio; Lollino, Piernicola; Luisi, Michele; Miccoli, Maria N.; Pagliarulo, Rosa; Parise, Mario; Perrotti, Michele; Pisano, Luca; Spalluto, Luigi; Vennari, Carmela; Vessia, Giovanna

2016-04-01

Apulia region, the foreland of the southern Italian Apennines, is made up of a 6-7 km-thick succession of Mesozoic shallow-water limestones and dolostones, locally covered by thin and discontinuous Tertiary and Quaternary carbonate and clastic deposits. Due to their long subaerial exposure, the Mesozoic carbonate bedrock recorded the development in the subsurface of a dense network of karst cavities, mostly controlled by tectonic discontinuities. As a result, a strong susceptibility to natural sinkholes has to be recorded in Apulia. In addition, the possibility of occurrence of other problems related to the high number of man-made cavities has to be added in the region. A great variety of different typologies of artificial cavities (mostly excavated in the Plio-Pleistocene soft calcarenites) is actually present, including underground quarries, worship sites, oil mills, civilian settlements, etc. Overall, 2200 natural and 1200 artificial cavities, respectively, have been so far surveyed in Apulia. Following the urban development in the last century in Apulia, many of these cavities lie nowadays below densely populated neighborhoods, roads or communication routes. These conditions are at the origin of the main geomorphological hazard for the human society in Apulia, which requires a careful evaluation, aimed at protecting and safeguarding the human life, and at providing the necessary information for a correct land use planning and management. The importance of the sinkhole hazard is further testified by the worrying increase in the number of events during the last 5-6 years. In response to these situations, joint research activities were started by the Institute of Research for Hydrological Protection of the National Research Council (CNR-IRPI) and the Basin Authority of Apulia, aimed at several goals, that include (but are not limited to) the collection of information on natural and anthropogenic sinkholes in Apulia, the implementation of numerical analyses for modelling the instability processes, and the development of charts for a preliminary evaluation of the stability of underground caves. Two distinct approaches were established to take into account the different petrographic, structural and geotechnical features of both the hard and soft carbonate rocks. The approach dealing with hard carbonate rocks (where natural karst caves develop) is based on speleological and geometrical surveys of the caves and on an integrated geological and geomechanical characterization of the carbonate rock mass, aimed at individuating the main critical aspects of the karst caves in terms of likely effects on the society. On the other hand, the approach to verify the stability of soft rocks where artificial cavities have been excavated is mostly dependent upon the peculiar petrographic and geomechanical characteristics of the calcarenite rock mass, typically massive and unaffected by tectonic discontinuities. As a consequence, the traditional analytical methods of rock mass classification fail in these materials, since the rock strength of soft calcarenites is mostly dependent upon sediment texture, porosity type and distribution and degree of cementation. The fluid circulation into the rock mass is also important because the removal of the rock matrix may induce a rapid deterioration of the mechanical behaviour of the rock mass. The approach to the calcarenite is mostly based on the characterization of petrographic and geotechnical parameters by means of direct sampling from the rock walls and in situ surveys (wells, trenches, etc.). Through implementation of the two approaches, our goal is to reconstruct accurate geometrical, geological and geotechnical models for both natural caves and artificial cavities. These models will be useful also to plan specific monitoring activities in order to understand the development of underground instability, and the related evolution through the rock mass, possibly threatening the urban areas and infrastructures above.

THE USE OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CENTRIFUGE AS A TOOL TO MODEL DNAPL MIGRATION IN FRACTURES. (R825511C004)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

CAP/WAP-based correlations for estimating the static axial capacity of open-ended steel pipe piles in Alaska.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

CAPWAP analyses of open-ended steel pipe piles at 32 bridge sites in Alaska have been compiled with geotechnical and construction : information for 12- to 48-inch diameter piles embedded in predominantly cohesionless soils to maximum depths of 161-fe...

MX Siting Investigation. Geotechnical Evaluation. Aggregate Resources Report, Utah-Nevada Study Area.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-03

The material is gradually transported downslope under the influence of gravity and water and is deposited in characteristically fan-shaped geomorphic...as D1 iconsidered to be generally adequate for concrete auraWate meterial Is considered to be probably suitable but has .eal chaglactelf~tics which

Development of LRFD procedures for bridge pile foundations in Iowa - volume I : an electronic database for PIle LOad Tests (PILOT).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

For well over 100 years, the Working Stress Design (WSD) approach has been the traditional basis for geotechnical design with regard to settlements or failure conditions. However, considerable effort has been put forth over the past couple of decades...

78 FR 1941 - Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-09

... design criteria for any planned structure. Methodology for geotechnical surveys may vary between those..., seismic surveys, and shallow hazards surveys, are expected to occur only during the open water season...., hydrological studies), or summer-fall (e.g., various fish and wildlife surveys). The petitioners have also...

Geotechnical Investigation of the Potential Use of Shredded Scrap Tires in Soil Stabilization.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-11-01

Silt-tire and clay-tire mixtures, containing 0% to 100% shredded tire material by weight, with tire chips ranging in size from 7mm-13mm, 13mm-25mm, and 25mm-38mm, were tested for a series of engineering properties including compaction characteristics...

Application of geotechnical data to resource planning in southeast Alaska.

Treesearch

W.L. Schroeder; D.N. Swanston

1987-01-01

Recent quantification of engineering properties and index values of dominant soil types in the Alexander Archipelago, southeast Alaska, have revealed consistent diagnostic characteristics useful to evaluating landslide risk and subgrade material stability before timber harvesting and low-volume road construction. Shear strength data are summarized and grouped by Soil...

Experimental evaluation and design of unfilled and concrete-filled FRP composite piles, task 1 - mechanical properties of FRP piles.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-10-01

The overall goal of this project is the experimental evaluation and design of unfilled and concrete-filled FRP : composite piles for load-bearing in bridges. This report covers Task 1, Mechanical Properties of FRP Piles. : Mechanical and geotechnic...

DEM simulation of granular flows in a centrifugal acceleration field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cabrera, Miguel Angel; Peng, Chong; Wu, Wei

2017-04-01

The main purpose of mass-flow experimental models is abstracting distinctive features of natural granular flows, and allow its systematic study in the laboratory. In this process, particle size, space, time, and stress scales must be considered for the proper representation of specific phenomena [5]. One of the most challenging tasks in small scale models, is matching the range of stresses and strains among the particle and fluid media observed in a field event. Centrifuge modelling offers an alternative to upscale all gravity-driven processes, and it has been recently employed in the simulation of granular flows [1, 2, 3, 6, 7]. Centrifuge scaling principles are presented in Ref. [4], collecting a wide spectrum of static and dynamic models. However, for the case of kinematic processes, the non-uniformity of the centrifugal acceleration field plays a major role (i.e., Coriolis and inertial effects). In this work, we discuss a general formulation for the centrifugal acceleration field, implemented in a discrete element model framework (DEM), and validated with centrifuge experimental results. Conventional DEM simulations relate the volumetric forces as a function of the gravitational force Gp = mpg. However, in the local coordinate system of a rotating centrifuge model, the cylindrical centrifugal acceleration field needs to be included. In this rotating system, the centrifugal acceleration of a particle depends on the rotating speed of the centrifuge, as well as the position and speed of the particle in the rotating model. Therefore, we obtain the formulation of centrifugal acceleration field by coordinate transformation. The numerical model is validated with a series of centrifuge experiments of monodispersed glass beads, flowing down an inclined plane at different acceleration levels and slope angles. Further discussion leads to the numerical parameterization necessary for simulating equivalent granular flows under an augmented acceleration field. The premise of this validation is abstracting the role of the governing acceleration on the granular flow dynamics and extend it to a wider range of accelerations and slope angles. Based on this results we aim to validate the centrifuge scaling principle of flow velocity and flow height, and discuss the viability of centrifuge modelling of mass flows in a wider range of configurations. References T. Arndt, A. Brucks, J.M. Ottino, and R. Lueptow. Creeping granular motion under variable gravity levels. Phys. Rev. E, 74 (031307), 2006. E. Bowman, J. Laue, and S. Springman. Experimental modelling of debris flow behaviour using a geotechnical centrifuge. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 47(7): 742 - 762, 2010. M. Cabrera. Experimental modelling of granular flows in rotating frames. PhD thesis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, February 2016 J. Garnier, C. Gaudin, S.M. Springman, P.J. Culligan, D.J. Goodings, D. Konig, B.L. Kutter, R. Phillips, M.F. Randolph, and L. Thorel. Catalogue of scaling laws and similitude questions in geotechnical centrifuge modelling. International Journal of Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, 7(3):1 - 23, 2007. R.M. Iverson. Scaling and design of landslide and debris-flow experiments. Geomorphology, 2015. J. Mathews. Investigation of granular flow using silo centrifuge models. PhD thesis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, September 2013. L. Vallejo, N. Estrada, A. Taboada, B. Caicedo, and J.A. Silva. Numerical and physical modeling of granular flow. In C.W. Ng, Y.H. Wang, and L.M. Zhang, editors, Physical Modelling in Geotechnics. Taylor & Francis, July 2006.

FBG-Based Monitoring of Geohazards: Current Status and Trends

PubMed Central

Zhu, Hong-Hu; Shi, Bin; Zhang, Cheng-Cheng

2017-01-01

In recent years, natural and anthropogenic geohazards have occured frequently all over the world, and field monitoring is becoming an increasingly important task to mitigate these risks. However, conventional geotechnical instrumentations for monitoring geohazards have a number of weaknesses, such as low accuracy, poor durability, and high sensitivity to environmental interferences. In this aspect, fiber Bragg grating (FBG), as a popular fiber optic sensing technology, has gained an explosive amount of attention. Based on this technology, quasi-distributed sensing systems have been established to perform real-time monitoring and early warning of landslides, debris flows, land subsidence, earth fissures and so on. In this paper, the recent research and development activities of applying FBG systems to monitor different types of geohazards, especially those triggered by human activities, are critically reviewed. The working principles of newly developed FBG sensors are briefly introduced, and their features are summarized. This is followed by a discussion of recent case studies and lessons learned, and some critical problems associated with field implementation of FBG-based monitoring systems. Finally the challenges and future trends in this research area are presented. PMID:28245551

FBG-Based Monitoring of Geohazards: Current Status and Trends.

PubMed

Zhu, Hong-Hu; Shi, Bin; Zhang, Cheng-Cheng

2017-02-24

In recent years, natural and anthropogenic geohazards have occured frequently all over the world, and field monitoring is becoming an increasingly important task to mitigate these risks. However, conventional geotechnical instrumentations for monitoring geohazards have a number of weaknesses, such as low accuracy, poor durability, and high sensitivity to environmental interferences. In this aspect, fiber Bragg grating (FBG), as a popular fiber optic sensing technology, has gained an explosive amount of attention. Based on this technology, quasi-distributed sensing systems have been established to perform real-time monitoring and early warning of landslides, debris flows, land subsidence, earth fissures and so on. In this paper, the recent research and development activities of applying FBG systems to monitor different types of geohazards, especially those triggered by human activities, are critically reviewed. The working principles of newly developed FBG sensors are briefly introduced, and their features are summarized. This is followed by a discussion of recent case studies and lessons learned, and some critical problems associated with field implementation of FBG-based monitoring systems. Finally the challenges and future trends in this research area are presented.

Conference on Continental margin mass wasting and Pleistocene sea-level changes, August 13-15, 1980

USGS Publications Warehouse

Folger, David W.; Hathaway, J.C.

1987-01-01

A conference on Continental Margin Mass Wasting and Pleistocene Sea-Level Changes was held in Woods Hole, Mass., August 13-15, 1980. Forty-seven participants, representing many government, academic, and industrial organizations, discussed the current state of knowledge of the features of marine mass wasting and of the interrelations of factors influencing them. These factors include sediment source, composition, textures, sedimentation rates, climatic and sea-level changes, gas and gas hydrate (clathrate) contents of sediments, geotechnical characteristics, oceanographic and morphological factors, ground-water processes, and seismic events. The part played by these factors in the processes and features of mass movement and the engineering considerations imposed by the emplacement of manmade structures on the sea floor were considered vital to the evaluation of hazards involved in offshore exploration and development. The conference concluded with a call for bold programs to establish the probability of occurrence and the quantitative importance of these factors and to devise more reliable means of measurement, particularly in place, of the characteristics of the sediment and features involved.

Effect law of Damage Characteristics of Rock Similar Material with Pre-Existing Cracks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, S. G.; Cheng, X. Y.; Liu, C.

2017-11-01

In order to further study the failure mechanism for rock similar materials, this study established the damage model based on accumulative AE events, investigated the damage characteristics for rock similar material samples with pre-existing cracks of varying width under uniaxial compression load. The equipment used in this study is the self-developed YYW-II strain controlled unconfined compression apparatus and the PCIE-8 acoustic emission (AE) monitoring system. The influences of the width of the pre-existing cracks to the damage characteristics of rock similar materials are analyzed. Results show that, (1) the damage model can better describe the damage characteristics of rock similar materials; (2) the tested samples have three stages during failure: initial damage stage, stable development of damage stage, and accelerated development of damage stage; (3) with the width of pre-existing cracks vary from 3mm to 5mm, the damage of rock similar materials increases gradually. The outcomes of this study provided additional values to the research of the failure mechanism for geotechnical similar material models.

New Hybridized Surface Wave Approach for Geotechnical Modeling of Shear Wave Velocity at Strong Motion Recording Stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kayen, R.; Carkin, B.; Minasian, D.

2006-12-01

Strong motion recording (SMR) networks often have little or no shear wave velocity measurements at stations where characterization of site amplification and site period effects is needed. Using the active Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) method, and passive H/V microtremor method we have investigated nearly two hundred SMR sites in California, Alaska, Japan, Australia, China and Taiwan. We are conducting these studies, in part, to develop a new hybridized method of site characterization that utilizes a parallel array of harmonic-wave sources for active-source SASW, and a single long period seismometer for passive-source microtremor measurement. Surface wave methods excel in their ability to non-invasively and rapidly characterize the variation of ground stiffness properties with depth below the surface. These methods are lightweight, inexpensive to deploy, and time-efficient. They have been shown to produce accurate and deep soil stiffness profiles. By placing and wiring shakers in a large parallel circuit, either side-by-side on the ground or in a trailer-mounted array, a strong in-phase harmonic wave can be produced. The effect of arraying many sources in parallel is to increase the amplitude of waves received at far-away spaced seismometers at low frequencies so as to extend the longest wavelengths of the captured dispersion curve. The USGS system for profiling uses this concept by arraying between two and eight electro-mechanical harmonic-wave shakers. With large parallel arrays of vibrators, a dynamic force in excess of 1000 lb can be produced to vibrate the ground and produce surface waves. We adjust the harmonic wave through a swept-sine procedure to profile surface wave dispersion down to a frequency of 1 Hz and out to surface wave-wavelengths of 200-1000 meters, depending on the site stiffness. The parallel-array SASW procedure is augmented using H/V microtremor data collected with the active source turned off. Passive array microtremor data reveal the natural and resonance characteristics of the ground by capturing persistent natural vibrations. These microtremors are the result of the interaction of surface waves arriving from distant sources and the stiffness structure of the site under investigation. As such, these resonance effects are effective in constraining the layer thicknesses of the SASW shear wave velocity structure and aid in determining the depth of the deepest layer. Together, the hybridized SASW and H/V procedure provides a complete data set for modeling the geotechnical aspects of ground amplification of earthquake motions. Data from these investigations are available at http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/geotech.

Multisource multibeam backscatter data: developing a strategy for the production of benthic habitat maps using semi-automated seafloor classification methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacharité, Myriam; Brown, Craig J.; Gazzola, Vicki

2018-06-01

The establishment of multibeam echosounders (MBES) as a mainstream tool in ocean mapping has facilitated integrative approaches towards nautical charting, benthic habitat mapping, and seafloor geotechnical surveys. The bathymetric and backscatter information generated by MBES enables marine scientists to present highly accurate bathymetric data with a spatial resolution closely matching that of terrestrial mapping, and can generate customized thematic seafloor maps to meet multiple ocean management needs. However, when a variety of MBES systems are used, the creation of objective habitat maps can be hindered by the lack of backscatter calibration, due for example, to system-specific settings, yielding relative rather than absolute values. Here, we describe an approach using object-based image analysis to combine 4 non-overlapping and uncalibrated (backscatter) MBES coverages to form a seamless habitat map on St. Anns Bank (Atlantic Canada), a marine protected area hosting a diversity of benthic habitats. The benthoscape map was produced by analysing each coverage independently with supervised classification (k-nearest neighbor) of image-objects based on a common suite of 7 benthoscapes (determined with 4214 ground-truthing photographs at 61 stations, and characterized with backscatter, bathymetry, and bathymetric position index). Manual re-classification based on uncertainty in membership values to individual classes—especially at the boundaries between coverages—was used to build the final benthoscape map. Given the costs and scarcity of MBES surveys in offshore marine ecosystems—particularly in large ecosystems in need of adequate conservation strategies, such as in Canadian waters—developing approaches to synthesize multiple datasets to meet management needs is warranted.

A Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Cableless Geophone Unit for Passive Surface Wave Surveys.

PubMed

Dai, Kaoshan; Li, Xiaofeng; Lu, Chuan; You, Qingyu; Huang, Zhenhua; Wu, H Felix

2015-09-25

The passive surface wave survey is a practical, non-invasive seismic exploration method that has increasingly been used in geotechnical engineering. However, in situ deployment of traditional wired geophones is labor intensive for a dense sensor array. Alternatively, stand-alone seismometers can be used, but they are bulky, heavy, and expensive because they are usually designed for long-term monitoring. To better facilitate field applications of the passive surface wave survey, a low-cost energy-efficient geophone system was developed in this study. The hardware design is presented in this paper. To validate the system's functionality, both laboratory and field experiments were conducted. The unique feature of this newly-developed cableless geophone system allows for rapid field applications of the passive surface wave survey with dense array measurements.

Accurate 3D point cloud comparison and volumetric change analysis of Terrestrial Laser Scan data in a hard rock coastal cliff environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Earlie, C. S.; Masselink, G.; Russell, P.; Shail, R.; Kingston, K.

2013-12-01

Our understanding of the evolution of hard rock coastlines is limited due to the episodic nature and ';slow' rate at which changes occur. High-resolution surveying techniques, such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), have just begun to be adopted as a method of obtaining detailed point cloud data to monitor topographical changes over short periods of time (weeks to months). However, the difficulties involved in comparing consecutive point cloud data sets in a complex three-dimensional plane, such as occlusion due to surface roughness and positioning of data capture point as a result of a consistently changing environment (a beach profile), mean that comparing data sets can lead to errors in the region of 10 - 20 cm. Meshing techniques are often used for point cloud data analysis for simple surfaces, but in surfaces such as rocky cliff faces, this technique has been found to be ineffective. Recession rates of hard rock coastlines in the UK are typically determined using aerial photography or airborne LiDAR data, yet the detail of the important changes occurring to the cliff face and toe are missed using such techniques. In this study we apply an algorithm (M3C2 - Multiscale Model to Model Cloud Comparison), initially developed for analysing fluvial morphological change, that directly compares point to point cloud data using surface normals that are consistent with surface roughness and measure the change that occurs along the normal direction (Lague et al., 2013). The surfaces changes are analysed using a set of user defined scales based on surface roughness and registration error. Once the correct parameters are defined, the volumetric cliff face changes are calculated by integrating the mean distance between the point clouds. The analysis has been undertaken at two hard rock sites identified for their active erosion located on the UK's south west peninsular at Porthleven in south west Cornwall and Godrevy in north Cornwall. Alongside TLS point cloud data, in-situ measurements of the nearshore wave climate, using a pressure transducer, offshore wave climate from a directional wavebuoy, and rainfall records from nearby weather stations were collected. Combining beach elevation information from the georeferenced point clouds with a continuous time series of wave climate provides an indication of the variation in wave energy delivered to the cliff face. The rates of retreat were found to agree with the existing rates that are currently used in shoreline management. The additional geotechnical detail afforded by applying the M3C2 method to a hard rock environment provides not only a means of obtaining volumetric changes with confidence, but also a clear illustration of the locations of failure on the cliff face. Monthly cliff scans help to narrow down the timings of failure under energetic wave conditions or periods of heavy rainfall. Volumetric changes and sensitive regions to failure established using this method allows us to capture episodic changes to the cliff face at a high resolution (1 - 2 cm) that are otherwise missed using lower resolution techniques typically used for shoreline management, and to understand in greater detail the geotechnical behaviour of hard rock cliffs and determine rates of erosion with greater accuracy.

Estimating SPT-N Value Based on Soil Resistivity using Hybrid ANN-PSO Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Asmawisham Alel, Mohd; Ruben Anak Upom, Mark; Asnida Abdullah, Rini; Hazreek Zainal Abidin, Mohd

2018-04-01

Standard Penetration Resistance (N value) is used in many empirical geotechnical engineering formulas. Meanwhile, soil resistivity is a measure of soil’s resistance to electrical flow. For a particular site, usually, only a limited N value data are available. In contrast, resistivity data can be obtained extensively. Moreover, previous studies showed evidence of a correlation between N value and resistivity value. Yet, no existing method is able to interpret resistivity data for estimation of N value. Thus, the aim is to develop a method for estimating N-value using resistivity data. This study proposes a hybrid Artificial Neural Network-Particle Swarm Optimization (ANN-PSO) method to estimate N value using resistivity data. Five different ANN-PSO models based on five boreholes were developed and analyzed. The performance metrics used were the coefficient of determination, R2 and mean absolute error, MAE. Analysis of result found that this method can estimate N value (R2 best=0.85 and MAEbest=0.54) given that the constraint, Δ {\\bar{l}}ref, is satisfied. The results suggest that ANN-PSO method can be used to estimate N value with good accuracy.

Seismic risk assessment of Navarre (Northern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaspar-Escribano, J. M.; Rivas-Medina, A.; García Rodríguez, M. J.; Benito, B.; Tsige, M.; Martínez-Díaz, J. J.; Murphy, P.

2009-04-01

The RISNA project, financed by the Emergency Agency of Navarre (Northern Spain), aims at assessing the seismic risk of the entire region. The final goal of the project is the definition of emergency plans for future earthquakes. With this purpose, four main topics are covered: seismic hazard characterization, geotechnical classification, vulnerability assessment and damage estimation to structures and exposed population. A geographic information system is used to integrate, analyze and represent all information colleted in the different phases of the study. Expected ground motions on rock conditions with a 90% probability of non-exceedance in an exposure time of 50 years are determined following a Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) methodology that includes a logic tree with different ground motion and source zoning models. As the region under study is located in the boundary between Spain and France, an effort is required to collect and homogenise seismological data from different national and regional agencies. A new homogenised seismic catalogue, merging data from Spanish, French, Catalonian and international agencies and establishing correlations between different magnitude scales, is developed. In addition, a new seismic zoning model focused on the study area is proposed. Results show that the highest ground motions on rock conditions are expected in the northeastern part of the region, decreasing southwards. Seismic hazard can be expressed as low-to-moderate. A geotechnical classification of the entire region is developed based on surface geology, available borehole data and morphotectonic constraints. Frequency-dependent amplification factors, consistent with code values, are proposed. The northern and southern parts of the region are characterized by stiff and soft soils respectively, being the softest soils located along river valleys. Seismic hazard maps including soil effects are obtained by applying these factors to the seismic hazard maps on rock conditions (for the same probability level). Again, the highest hazard is found in the northeastern part of the region. The lowest hazard is obtained along major river valleys The vulnerability assessment of the Navarra building stock is accomplished using as proxy a combination of building age, location, number of floors and the implantation of building codes. Field surveys help constraining the extent of traditional and technological construction types. The vulnerability characterization is carried out following three methods: European Macroseismic Scale (EMS 98), RISK UE vulnerability index and the capacity spectrum method implemented in Hazus. Vulnerability distribution maps for each Navarrean municipality are provided, adapted to the EMS98 vulnerability classes. The vulnerability of Navarre is medium to high, except for recent urban, highly populated developments. For each vulnerability class and expected ground motion, damage distribution is estimated by means of damage probability matrixes. Several damage indexes, embracing relative and absolute damage estimates, are used. Expected average damage is low. Whereas the largest amounts of damaged structures are found in big cities, the highest percentages are obtained in some muniucipalities of northeastern Navarre. Additionally, expected percentages and amounts of affected persons by earthquake damage are calculated for each municipality. Expected amounts of affected people are low, reflecting the low expected damage degree.

Scaling and Predicting the Geotechnical Resistance Provided by Alfalfa in Experimental Studies of Alluvial-Channel Morphology and Planform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bankhead, N.; Simon, A.

2008-12-01

Several complex interactions occur between riparian vegetation and bank stability processes. Although there are both positive and negative effects of riparian vegetation on streambank stability, a link between increased vegetation density and decreased bank erosion and lateral migration rates of channels has generally been recorded. The ability of vegetation to promote increased bank stability leads to a positive feedback, in which bank stability then allows the growth and establishment of more vegetation. To study interactions between vegetation density and channel planform, past flume studies have used alfalfa sprouts (Medicago sativa), seeded over the entire floodplain in varying densities. Such studies have observed reductions in braiding intensity with increased alfalfa density. It has been assumed in these studies that the alfalfa sprouts increase the resistance of the bank material to lateral erosion. When alfalfa sprouts are scaled up they simulate mature riparian trees well. However, the geotechnical properties of alfalfa roots, and quantification of the increase in resistance provided to the banks under different densities of alfalfa have thus far been ignored. It is therefore unknown if the resistance provided by the alfalfa roots also scales well to real-world root-reinforcement values. To quantify additional bank strength, alfalfa sprouts were grown in sand and the roots tested at regular intervals to measure tensile strength. Results of tensile-strength measurements for alfalfa sprouts displayed the typical non-linear decrease of tensile strength (in MPa) with increasing root diameter. Values for the additional cohesion provided by alfalfa roots were calculated by inputting alfalfa tensile-strength and root density data to the root-reinforcement model, RipRoot, resulting in root-reinforcement values of 0 to 11.8 kPa. These values are similar to those that would be expected under field conditions. The root-cohesion values calculated for alfalfa sprouts were then used in conjunction with the Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model (BSTEM), and a series of laboratory experiments, to evaluate if the factor of safety (FS) of experimental channels lined with different densities of alfalfa could be predicted. Sand banks ranging in height from 1.25 to 3.75 cm were modeled and tested experimentally for cases with different groundwater heights and flow depths in the channel, and with cohesion due to roots being scaled appropriately using a length reduction factor. Model results showed that for alfalfa stem densities ranging from 0 to 10 stems/cm2, bank FS ranged from 0.60 to 1.87 and from 0.60 to 1.12 for 1.25 cm and 3.75 cm-high banks respectively. Preliminary results of the laboratory experiments have successfully shown that if cohesion due to roots calculated from the RipRoot model is scaled appropriately, the stability of experimental channels lined with alfalfa of different densities can be predicted. By quantifying the geotechnical resistance of banks during such studies, more accurate predictions of the conditions necessary to create meandering versus braided channel planforms, and the feedback between channel planform and vegetation density in both experimental and real-world scenarios may now be possible.

A Multiresolution Experiment to Enable Impacts of High Fidelity Environments on Unmanned Ground Vehicle Representation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

Center Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (ERDC-GSL). Their contributions include the technical integration work of ANVEL , OneSAF, and MATREX...6  3.1  ANVEL Overview...15  4.4.3.  OneSAF Tasks ................................................................................. 16  4.4.4.  OneSAF/ ANVEL Scenario Execution

Integration of Centrifuge Testing in Undergraduate Geotechnical Engineering Education at Remote Campuses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

El Shamy, Usama; Abdoun, Tarek; McMartin, Flora; Pando, Miguel A.

2013-01-01

We report the results of a pilot study aimed at developing, implementing, and assessing an educational module that integrates remote major research instrumentation into undergraduate classes. Specifically, this study employs Internet Web-based technologies to allow for real-time video monitoring and execution of cutting-edge experiments. The…

Environmental Assessment Report: Geotechnical Field Investigations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-06-30

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSED ACTION...................148 4.1 SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT ...................148 4.2 IMPACT ON CLIMATE.......................149...4.3 IMPACT ON AIR QUALITY.................150 4.3.1 VEHICULAR EMISSIONS....................150 4.3.2 DUST.............................150 4.4 NOISE... IMPACT .............................151 4.5 AESTHETIC IMPACT .......................152 4.6 IMPACT ON ECOLOGY...................153 4.6.1 GENERAL

Revising a Design Course from a Lecture Approach to a Project-Based Learning Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kunberger, Tanya

2013-01-01

In order to develop the evaluative skills necessary for successful performance of design, a senior, Geotechnical Engineering course was revised to immerse students in the complexity of the design process utilising a project-based learning (PBL) approach to instruction. The student-centred approach stresses self-directed group learning, which…

Geotechnical Diver Tools Operation and Maintenance Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-01

taking a core with the least amount of 4. Screw piston onto bottom of piston rod; disturbance. The piston is unscrewed from lubricate U-packing seal on...corer head onto piston road. 3. Screw piston onto piston rods check U-pecking seal for proper direction (see manual). 4. Slide aore tube over piston and

Geostatistics for environmental and geotechnical applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rouhani, S.; Srivastava, R.M.; Desbarats, A.J.

1996-12-31

This conference was held January 26--27, 1995 in Phoenix, Arizona. The purpose of this conference was to provide a multidisciplinary forum for exchange of state-of-the-art information on the technology of geostatistics and its applicability for environmental studies, especially site characterization. Individual papers have been processed separately for inclusion in the appropriate data bases.

Laboratory and Field Evaluation of In-Place Asphalt Recycling Technologies for Small Airfield Repair

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

Mariely Mejías-Santiago and William D. Carruth Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory US Army Engineer Research and Development Center 3909 Halls...24. Pavement structure at Test Site 1. ....................................................................................... 28  Figure 25. Pavement... structure at ERDC test site. ................................................................................ 30  Figure 26. Heatwurx HWX-30 electric

Development of digital instructional modules for transportation engineers overviewing the fundamentals of how to obtain soil properties in practice.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-12-01

The work completed in this project created a series of online lab modules that : transportation professionals could use as a reference to learn how to conduct, how to : interpret, and the applications of geotechnical lab tests used in practice to det...

Metals in waste foundry sands and an evaluation of their leaching and transport to groundwater

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

While most waste molding foundry sands (WFSs) are not hazardous in nature, regulatory agencies are often reluctant to permit their beneficial use in agricultural and geotechnical applications due to concerns over metal leaching. The objective of this study was to quantify total and Toxicity Characte...

Geotechnical Study and Foundation Structural Design, Next Generation Ionosonde (NEXION) Installation, Thule Air Base, Greenland

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

Richard Biagioni , Program Manager Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Remote Sensing Space Environmental Branch (RSSE) 1050 E. Stewart Ave...Environmental Branch (SMC/RSSE) under MIPR# F3LGWD5009G003. The technical monitor was Richard Biagioni , SMC/RSSE. The work was performed by Kevin Bjella

Oman-India pipeline route survey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mullee, J.E.

1995-12-01

Paper describes the geological setting in the Arabian Sea for a proposed 28-inch gas pipeline from Oman to India reaching 3,500-m water depths. Covers planning, execution, quality control and results of geophysical, geotechnical and oceanographic surveys. Outlines theory and application of pipeline stress analysis on board survey vessel for feasibility assessment, and specifies equipment used.

75 FR 6004 - Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Dam Safety Assurance...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-05

... evaluation of the main dam's overall earthquake performance. 2. Remediation Alternatives. The draft EIS will address an array of remediation alternatives that are necessary to prevent loss of life, extensive... extent of the remediation alternatives will be determined based on the results of on- going geotechnical...

MX Siting Investigation Geotechnical Evaluation Conterminous United States. Volume II. Intermediate Screening.

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-12-21

sections of the CSP ( Thordarson and others, 1967; Figure 8). Interbedded materials consist of agglomerates, air-fall and ash-flow tuffs which are welded to...of Economic Geology, 1977, Land resource map of Texas: Bur. Econ. Geol., Univ. Texas, Austin, Texas. (in press). Thordarson , W., Young, R.A., and

Geophysical and Geotechnical Characterization of Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan Biopolymer treated Soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, I.; Cho, G.

2012-12-01

Bacteria or microbes in soil excrete hydrocarbon (e.g. polysaccharide) by-products which are called biopolymers. These biopolymers (or sometime biofilms) recently begun to make a mark on soil erosion control, aggregate stabilization, and drilling enhancement. However, the biological effect on soil behavior (e.g. bio-clogging or bio-cementation) has been poorly understood. In this study, the bio-cementation and bio-clogging effect induced by the existence of β-1,3/1,6-glucan biopolymers in soil were evaluated through a series of geophysical and geotechnical characterization tests in laboratory. According to the experimental test results, as the β-1,3/1,6-glucan content in soil increases, the compressive strength and shear wave velocity increase (i.e., bio-cementation) while the hydraulic conductivity decreases (i.e., bio-clogging) but the electrical conductivity increases due to the high electrical conductivity characteristic of β-1,3/1,6-glucan fibers. Coefficient of consolidation variation with the increases of β-1,3/1,6-glucan content in soil. SEM image of β-1,3/1,6-glucan treated soil. Fibers are form matices with soil particles.

Evaluation of landfill gas production and emissions in a MSW large-scale Experimental Cell in Brazil.

PubMed

Maciel, Felipe Jucá; Jucá, José Fernando Thomé

2011-05-01

Landfill gas (LFG) emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are an important environmental concern in Brazil due to the existence of several uncontrolled disposal sites. A program of laboratory and field tests was conducted to investigate gas generation in and emission from an Experimental Cell with a 36,659-ton capacity in Recife/PE - Brazil. This investigation involved waste characterisation, gas production and emission monitoring, and geotechnical and biological evaluations and was performed using three types of final cover layers. The results obtained in this study showed that waste decomposes 4-5 times faster in a tropical wet climate than predicted by traditional first-order models using default parameters. This fact must be included when considering the techniques and economics of projects developed in tropical climate countries. The design of the final cover layer and its geotechnical and biological behaviour proved to have an important role in minimising gas emissions to the atmosphere. Capillary and methanotrophic final cover layers presented lower CH(4) flux rates than the conventional layer. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Report on workshop to incorporate basin response in the design of tall buildings in the Puget Sound region, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chang, Susan; Frankel, Arthur D.; Weaver, Craig S.

2014-01-01

On March 4, 2013, the City of Seattle and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) convened a workshop of 25 engineers and seismologists to provide recommendations to the City for the incorporation of amplification of earthquake ground shaking by the Seattle sedimentary basin in the design of tall buildings in Seattle. The workshop was initiated and organized by Susan Chang, a geotechnical engineer with the City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development, along with Art Frankel and Craig Weaver of the USGS. C.B. Crouse of URS Corporation, Seattle made key suggestions for the agenda. The USGS provided travel support for most of the out-of-town participants. The agenda and invited attendees are given in the appendix. The attendees included geotechnical and structural engineers working in Seattle, engineers with experience utilizing basin response factors in other regions, and seismologists who have studied basin response in a variety of locations. In this report, we summarize the technical presentations and the recommendations from the workshop.

The Erosion of expansive soils through a zoning of Taza (Morocco)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demehati, A.; Abidi, A.; El Qandil, M.

2018-05-01

Like other cities in the region of Fez-Meknes, Taza undergoes the phenomena of erosion of soils facing the builder in general and the town planner in particular. This type of aggression of the land is sometimes amplified by the swelling-withdrawal of soils. In effect the marl clay layers are considered as unstable soils because of their volumetric changes depending on the duration and intensity of extreme climate changes (weather, droughts, ventilation.). This phenomenon, which is part directly or indirectly so-called natural disasters, can lead to significant costly damage and particularly intense (soil erosion, landslides, obstruction of the course of the water, hydraulic works and sanitation networks, cracks of the constructions and their annexes’, deformations of pavements, etc.). The knowledge and mastery of this phenomenon are essential to prevent, limit or remedy the consequences and damage related to their impacts. We focus as well our contribution on the geotechnical characteristics of the soils of the city of Taza with highlighting of the hazards in susceptibility to erosion of soils in particular through their potential of swelling-removing and this for the benefit geotechnical zoning of Taza.

Soil settlement analysis in soft soil by using preloading system and prefabricated vertical draining runway of Kualanamu Airport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roesyanto; Iskandar, R.; Silalahi, S. A.; Fadliansyah

2018-02-01

The method of soil improvement, using the combination of prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) and preloading, was used to accelerate the process of consolidation and the consolidation settlement in the runway of Kualanamu International Airport, which was constructed on the soft soil sediment like silty clay. In this research, the investigated area was the runway of Kualanamu International Airport zone I which had 11 meter-thickness of soft soil. Geotechnic instruments surveyed was settlement plate. Monitoring was done toward the behavior of landfill such as basic soil settlement. The result were compared with the analysis of finite element method of full scale in Mohr-Coulomb model by verifying the vertical drain of asymmetric unit cell and equivalent plane strain unit cell condition. The results of the research showed that there were an interesting behavior between the data in field observation and finite element of Mohr-Coulomb model. It was also found that the result of soil settlement of finite element method of Mohr-Coulomb model was closed to the result of settlement plate monitoring.

Terrain Classification of Aster gDEM for Seismic Microzonation of Port-Au Haiti, Using - and - Based Analytic Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yong, A.; Hough, S. E.; Cox, B. R.; Rathje, E. M.; Bachhuber, J.; Hulslander, D.; Christiansen, L.; Abrams, M.

2010-12-01

The aftermath of the M7.0 Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010 witnessed an impressive scientific response from the international community. In addition to conventional post-earthquake investigations, there was also an unprecedented reliance on remote-sensing technologies for scientific investigation and damage assessment. These technologies include sensors from both aerial and space-borne observational platforms. As part of the Haiti earthquake response and recovery effort, we develop a seismic zonation map of Port-au-Prince based on high-resolution satellite imagery as well as data from traditional seismographic monitoring stations and geotechnical site characterizations. Our imagery consists of a global digital elevation model (gDEM) of Hispaniola derived from data recorded by NASA-JPL's Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument onboard the multi-platform satellite Terra. To develop our model we also consider recorded waveforms from portable seismographic stations (Hough et al., in review) and 36 geotechnical shear-wave velocity surveys (Cox et al., in review). Following a similar approach developed by Yong et al. (2008; Bull. Seism Soc. Am.), we use both pixel- and object- based imaging analytic methods to systematically identify and extract local terrain features that are expected to amplify seismic ground motion. Using histogram-stretching techniques applied to the rDEM values, followed by multi-resolution, segmentations of the imagery into terrain types, we systematically classify the terrains of Hispaniola. By associating available Vs30 (average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 meter depth) calculated from the MASW (Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave) survey method, we develop a first-order site characterization map. Our results indicate that the terrain-based Vs30 estimates are significantly associated with amplitudes recorded at station sites. We also find that the damage distribution inferred from UNOSAT (UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Program) data matches our estimates. However, the strongest amplifications are observed at two stations on a foothill ridge, where Vs30 values indicate that amplification should be relatively lower. Hough et al. (2010, this session) conclude that the observations can be explained by topographic amplification along a steep, narrow ridge. On the basis of these preliminary results, we conclude that the terrain-based framework, which characterizes topographic amplification as well as sediment-induced amplification, is needed to develop a microzonation map for Port-au-Prince.

Geotechnical applications of LiDAR pertaining to geomechanical evaluation and hazard identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lato, Matthew J.

Natural hazards related to ground movement that directly affect the safety of motorists and highway infrastructure include, but are not limited to, rockfalls, rockslides, debris flows, and landslides. This thesis specifically deals with the evaluation of rockfall hazards through the evaluation of LiDAR data. Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) is an imaging technology that can be used to delineate and evaluate geomechanically-controlled hazards. LiDAR has been adopted to conduct hazard evaluations pertaining to rockfall, rock-avalanches, debris flows, and landslides. Characteristics of LiDAR surveying, such as rapid data acquisition rates, mobile data collection, and high data densities, pose problems to traditional CAD or GIS-based mapping methods. New analyses methods, including tools specifically oriented to geomechanical analyses, are needed. The research completed in this thesis supports development of new methods, including improved survey techniques, innovative software workflows, and processing algorithms to aid in the detection and evaluation of geomechanically controlled rockfall hazards. The scientific research conducted between the years of 2006-2010, as presented in this thesis, are divided into five chapters, each of which has been published by or is under review by an international journal. The five research foci are: (i) geomechanical feature extraction and analysis using LiDAR data in active mining environments; (ii) engineered monitoring of rockfall hazards along transportation corridors: using mobile terrestrial LiDAR; (iii) optimization of LiDAR scanning and processing for automated structural evaluation of discontinuities in rockmasses; (iv) location orientation bias when using static LiDAR data for geomechanical analysis; and (v) evaluating roadside rockmasses for rockfall hazards from LiDAR data: optimizing data collection and processing protocols. The research conducted pertaining to this thesis has direct and significant implications with respect to numerous engineering projects that are affected by geomechanical stability issues. The ability to efficiently and accurately map discontinuities, detect changes, and standardize roadside geomechanical stability analyses from remote locations will fundamentally change the state-of-practice of geotechnical investigation workflows and repeatable monitoring. This, in turn, will lead to earlier detection and definition of potential zones of instability, will allow for progressive monitoring and risk analysis, and will indicate the need for pro-active slope improvement and stabilization.